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Farmers' Market Tips

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-532 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

A farmers' market can be a great source for unusual produce such as this Japanese eggplant.
Bonnie Dehn of Dehn's Farm shares tips for getting the most out of a trip to a farmers' market.

  • Farmers' markets are very popular sources of homegrown produce and other goods.

  • Check around on what's available locally because the markets can vary a great deal. Some have regular daily hours, while others are held in large parking lots on the weekends.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Want to know how the carrots and beets were grown (figure A)? At a farmers' market, the person who grew the food is often the same person selling it.

  • A farmers' market might offer everything from fresh-cut flowers to several varieties of fruits and vegetables.
    • PHOTO

    Figure B
  • Pick up some fresh tomatoes, peppers and cilantro at the market to make a batch of zesty salsa (figure B).

  • Just like with farming, it pays to get up early. Get there when the market opens to find the best selection and the freshest produce.

  • Bring along some functional and practical baskets and canvas bags to carry purchases. It beats having all the items bagged individually and coming home with more plastic bags than fresh vegetables.
    • PHOTO

    Figure C
  • Lemongrass and bitter melon are just a couple of the vegetables that are available at a farmers' market (figure C).

  • The market is also a great source for large bunches of fresh herbs, as well as a wide assortment of lettuces and other green leafy vegetables.

  • Shopping at a farmers' market provides support to small local family farms, helps out enterprising young people and also assists retirees who are trying to supplement their income. It provides an opportunity to learn and meet the actual producers of the foods and learn something of their farming techniques. For instance, organic farmers can explain how their products are raised.

  • One thing a farmers' market has in common with a typical grocery store is that it is very helpful to take along a list to cut down on impulse purchases.
    • Guests
    Bonnie Dehn
    Commercial Herb Grower, Dehn's Herb Garden
    16485 Tulip St. NW
    Andover, MN 55304-2429
    Fax: 612-753-1711
    Website: www.dehnsgardenherbs.com
    Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-532
    •Armoire Potting Shed
    •Meals from the Pantry
    •Farmers' Market Tips
    •Tip of the Day
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