Summer is beginning to wind down, and soon Fall will arrive here in Williamsville, which means that farmer’s markets are in full swing. Today, the Windsong Place Apartments Blog has tips for shopping at a farmer’s market. So head out on the weekend and pick up some fresh produce for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
How to Shop at a Farmer’s Market
Bring Cash — Plan a budget for your shopping and try to stick with it. It’s easy to overspend, and using only cash may make it easier to stay within budget even though many vendors may accept credit cards or checks.
Know When to Go — Whether you get there early to get the freshest produce with the most choices, or at the end of the day when you can find great bargains, depends on what you’re looking for. However, simply being aware of when to go to the farmer’s market can be a factor in planning your trip. Plan enough time to be able to visit the whole market.
Check It All Out — Before you purchase anything, wander through the market to see what’s there. Even though you may have found peaches to make a cobbler for dessert at the first stall, the one around the corner may have the same thing for a lower price. Make a mental note of the places you want to return to.
Be Prepared — Your preparations may vary, but at the least take a cooler to keep your produce in while in transit, especially if you have additional errands to run before you head back to your apartment. Bring your own bags and containers as you won’t be able to count on every vendor having them.
Ask Questions & Try Something New — One of the perks of going to a farmer’s market is the opportunity to try something new. Vendors often have samples available, and if they don’t, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Ask the vendor about their products — most vendors love to talk about their growing practices, what pesticides were used (if any), and how to cook the produce.
Buy in Bulk — A pint of raspberries versus a flat of raspberries won’t break the bank, but chances are you can quick freeze the berries for later use in smoothies or make freezer jam at a fraction of what it would cost you to buy from the grocery store. And you usually get a price break for buying in bulk, too.
We hope these tips are helpful! The number one farmer’s market listed in a Yelp search is the one on Spring Street. Here’s the info:
Farmer’s Market at the Williamsville Mill
Location: 56 East Spring Street
May 20th through October 28th
Saturday Mornings 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Market has returned to Spring Street for 2017
Rain or Shine
For additional options in the area, check out The Best 10 Farmers Markets in Williamsville, NY from Yelp. Enjoy some good eating soon, and thanks for reading today’s post!
