One of the greatest delights of summer is fresh local produce. If you’ve been working on that three vegetable and two fruit per day habit this should be your victory lap. It just seems easier to get those fruits and vegetables in when they are abundant and full of flavor. Now, more than ever, fresh local produce is available to all of us thanks to grocery store displays and a robust network of farmer’s markets here in Maryland.
Maryland has over 100 Farmer’s Markets spread across the state and over 30 of those Farmer’s Markets accept SNAP and WIC benefits!
Use WWW.MARYLANDFMA.ORG/MARKETS to find out everything you need to know about shopping at one of Maryland’s great farmer’s markets. This website is full of information with everything from seasonal shopping lists and recipes to locations and hours of operations. And yes, important information about social distancing and safety for 2020 can be found there too.
Some of you might be wondering why bother with the Farmer’s Market or it might feel like an extra step in shopping. Let’s see if I can convince you to enjoy this special opportunity.
- Support local farmer’s and local economy. Having a history of farming on both sides of my family, I feel I can speak to this with a little bit of authority. Farmer’s are usually in the business for one of two reasons, or potentially a blend of both. It is either in their heart and is their complete passion in life or it is their heritage. Farming is not a fall back plan, easy, or unintentional. Going to the farmer’s market supports our local farmers and our local economy.
- Variety and Flavor. Break the broccoli on Thursday rut by heading out to the farmer’s market and trying something new. You will be inspired by the abundance of choices and you will be hooked by the flavor of produce picked at peak ripeness.
- Nutrient density. Produce picked at peak ripeness is the most nutrient dense. So along with great variety, amazing flavor, and low cost comes the RD’s favorite- nutrient density. Talk about nourishing your body, shop the Farmer’s Market!
- Information. Back to what I was saying about the reasons farmers are farmers. This is a great opportunity to get information from the experts. Without fail, they’ll be happy you took an interest and be pleased to give you an education. See something you’ve never seen before and want to know what it is? Ask the farmer. Want to try rhubarb and have no idea what to do with it? Ask the farmer. Concerned about pesticides and want to understand the growing practices used? Ask the farmer. Getting really tired of broccoli and wondering what else might be available soon? Ask the farmer.
- Experience. Thinking that going to the Farmer’s market is just like going to the grocery store is like saying getting sprayed with a hose is the same as swimming in the ocean. The Farmer’s Market is an experience and fun for the entire family. The farmer’s market is especially effective for picky eaters. It associates fruits and vegetables with excitement and joy. It involves kids in the process and decision about what to eat. Those two things coupled together can skyrocket interest, enthusiasm, and intake of fruits and vegetables. Still have some reluctance from the kids- have them to take turns. Mary can select something the first time you go. John can select something next week. John will immediately demand a second trip to the Farmer’s Market and either way, parents win. Don’t have two kids? Mom can have a turn and then a child can have a turn.
- Environmentally Friendly (and therefore cost effective too). Produce is grown within miles of the farmer’s market so it can be harvested and brought to market without significant transit or a cascade of middle vendors. The Farmer’s Market will have produce grown in the vicinity, picked at peak ripeness and peak nutrient density and brought straight to you at a good price point. It is the best value for you, for the farmer, and for the environment.
www.MarylandFMA.org/markets to plan your trip.
I’ll see ya out there! My May basket will be filled with strawberries, asparagus, lettuce, and yeah, broccoli.