tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post7602679273990836464..comments2024-03-29T05:28:05.976-05:00Comments on A Veggie Venture: How to Shop at a Farmers Market: Thoughts & Tips from a Veteran ShopperAlanna Kellogghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12869948243694610558noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-59067656859210014222019-05-17T16:29:38.227-05:002019-05-17T16:29:38.227-05:00Marie ~ Isn’t it interesting how things are so dif...<i>Marie ~ Isn’t it interesting how things are so different across the country? We have a garden and are gone many weekends so I’m not shopping at farmers markets so often now: so when I do, whoah, sticker shock! Still I try to hide my shock and just remember what it took to get those beautiful vegetables as far as the farmers market: but the so-called “last mile” is indeed up to me. Thanks for chiming in!</i>Alanna Kellogghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12869948243694610558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-47676611685691416982019-05-16T17:28:29.701-05:002019-05-16T17:28:29.701-05:00Thanks for your thoughts on prices and bargains. S...Thanks for your thoughts on prices and bargains. So many articles talk about cheap prices, but that is not something I have experienced here in NE Ohio. I can buy produce from local farms at the grocery store for less than the farmers market. And their is no price dropping before closing around here, either.Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14615502334905601632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-10072967286355398002013-03-02T23:49:03.666-06:002013-03-02T23:49:03.666-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-51546447063385185652013-02-28T02:48:22.219-06:002013-02-28T02:48:22.219-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09666711874995420007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-32128001689470346062013-02-17T17:41:23.458-06:002013-02-17T17:41:23.458-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-49296720260464588612012-10-06T16:06:50.304-05:002012-10-06T16:06:50.304-05:00Nice article! Dallas has one of the better FM'...Nice article! Dallas has one of the better FM's around for my money. We have one here, but it's so expensive ($4 for dz eggs-$3/lb jalapenos), that's it's not really fun to shop there. I've grown/sold too, and these prices are just....greedy. All markets aren't created equal, but the good ones are a pure joy to shop. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-65842087648803158802012-08-01T14:02:18.288-05:002012-08-01T14:02:18.288-05:00It's such a cool place to mingle as well. If y...It's such a cool place to mingle as well. If you have a service business you can often trader your work for some grub. Most farmers are willing to take on volunteers if you are interested, and a little tip. If you pay with quarters the farmers will love you! Great place to actually ask and figure out where your food is coming from, how it is produced, and how you can grow it on your own.<br /><br />Love the write-up!Justinhttp://www.limitless365.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-25854472120071266762011-05-19T16:35:48.863-05:002011-05-19T16:35:48.863-05:00We belong to a CSA, but also shop at one of our lo...We belong to a CSA, but also shop at one of our local farmers markets each Saturday as well. We live in a 2nd floor condo so growing our own is not an option. I'm able to get items that I don't get from my CSA, such as cheese, yogurt, eggs, bread, meat, etc. Also sometimes the market has vegetables and fruit available that I didn't get in "my box." I agree with one of the former comments that developing personal relatiionships with the farmers is a great experience that can't be duplicated at supermarkets. It becomes so much more than just buying a few veggies. I also share recipes with them on how I used their produce. Our "potato man" will exchange free potatoes for good recipes. What a deal!Edithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-22452679273864442142011-05-16T09:30:16.241-05:002011-05-16T09:30:16.241-05:00I'd add to ask the vendor....
Ask the vendor ...I'd add to ask the vendor....<br /><br />Ask the vendor how to cook it. If they grow it, they probably eat it too. I learned all about garlic scapes from a vendor this way and now love them. And, let them know how you cooked it when you come back the next week. :)<br /><br />Look for where the farmer is coming from on their signs. We have a few markets around here (in DC) that masquerade as farmer's markets but are really selling pretty much the same stuff you'd get at the grocery store.Math Ladynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-21960721714985645132011-05-16T07:29:42.539-05:002011-05-16T07:29:42.539-05:00I lived in Chile for two years, in the middle of t...I lived in Chile for two years, in the middle of the apple and potato-growing region. Best (and ugliest) apples I have ever had and who knew a potato could taste so good?<br /><br />But - I could only get celery half of the year. Do you realize how much you rely on celery year round? I love being able to get whatever I want in the US!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-30192010356211068962011-05-16T03:23:58.226-05:002011-05-16T03:23:58.226-05:00Here in Perth, Australia I find the farmers market...Here in Perth, Australia I find the farmers market slightly cheaper than the supermarket and the quality and freshness of the produce infinate times better!Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13059865235205165600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-44647802628747052642011-05-14T19:58:39.535-05:002011-05-14T19:58:39.535-05:00P.S. Um, yeah, duh. A Veggie Venture is also a gre...P.S. Um, yeah, duh. A Veggie Venture is also a great place to learn what to do with a new to you vegetable! ;)Farmgirl Susanhttp://farmgirlfare.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-28697970563679792582011-05-14T19:17:15.858-05:002011-05-14T19:17:15.858-05:00You got me a little choked up with this wonderful ...You got me a little choked up with this wonderful post, Alanna. Thank you for writing it.<br /><br />As for suggestions, I have two:<br /><br />1. When you see a new/interesting/strange fruit or vegetable - or even one you're familiar with but know nothing about - ask the farmer what to do with it. Chances are if they grow it, they have a great recipe for it! :)<br /><br />2. Thank a farmer. As you mentioned, growing food is HARD work. It seems like everybody is ready with a negative comment or complaint these days, but the positive ones can be few and far between. If you're fortunate enough to be able to buy wonderful food at a farmers' market, let those growers know how much you love and appreciate it! :)<br /><br />Here's to a bountiful and delicious growing season for everyone!Farmgirl Susanhttp://farmgirlfare.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-73430845746900543882011-05-11T15:58:42.236-05:002011-05-11T15:58:42.236-05:00As a farmer I wanted to thank you for this well th...As a farmer I wanted to thank you for this well thought out intro to farmers markets. It was great! I've been market farming for 6 years. It's amazing sometimes what people don't understand. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-16785094896246810382011-05-11T10:57:31.277-05:002011-05-11T10:57:31.277-05:00Great information - thanks for sharing! We went t...Great information - thanks for sharing! We went to the Tower Grove market last weekend, it was great!Lucy@The Sweet Touchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15563774976955938011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-24949527316543978502011-05-11T10:05:59.776-05:002011-05-11T10:05:59.776-05:00Love your farmers' market blog. ... I don...Love your farmers' market blog. ... I don't agree with you about the scarcity of bargains at farmers' markets. I wonder if you've been getting to too many "yuppified" markets like Kirkwood. There are bargains to be had at Soulard. A week ago we bought a pineapple for $1.00, and in-season, red peppers are two or three for a dollar -- compared to one for $3.00 at Schnucks. And we got nice bouquets of lilacs from Scharfs at $5.00. I do agree strongly about positive personal contact adding to the shopping experience. Vendors are generally a nice group.Charlienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-16220354706305241242011-05-10T21:26:09.746-05:002011-05-10T21:26:09.746-05:00So many replies, thanks especially for including w...<i>So many replies, thanks especially for including where you're from, this is fascinating to me, learning how things are different one place to the next. <br /><br />S ~ yes, I love getting insight from the growers/sellers, it's often interesting <br /><br />Kris ~ how lucky to have a year-round market! wish we had the same experience with prices here!<br /><br />FrancyDe ~ been there, done that! BTW one of my first farmers markets as an adult was the one in downtown Dallas, it was a revelation! this would have been mid to late 1980s<br /><br />Kevin ~ you have a tomato lady? lucky! <br /><br />Anonymous ~yay for the re-opening of the new season! <br /><br />Michelle ~ what a great question, I'm going to add it to the list! if you don't know what's in season, it's great to go to the market with an open mind, not knowing what you'll find (and then having a reliable source of what to DO with things, you know, like a certain blog called A Veggie Venture :-). But over time, you'll learn what to expect. I know that our early peaches are usually available just before the 4th of July because I always haul a lug to my dad's in Minnesota. I know that August are okra and corn and tomatoes and September is peppers and tomatoes. That kind of thing ...<br /><br />Leslie ~ Here we are in the Midwest, the bread basket of the world, and we have "California envy". :-) Great info re the timing. <br /><br />Cube3u ~ Ah yes, what's "best" NOW does indeed inform the seasonal eater! I've also learned that some recipes are better for "supermarket strawberries" and others better to save for "garden strawberries". <br /><br />John ~ Ah yes, what a great tip, to look for things that a supermarket DOESN'T carry -- although I was surprised to learn that my cousin in British Columbia can buy frozen fiddleheads! <br /><br />Stellans ~ I'd love to hear how you compare the CSA and farmers market experience. I still haven't done a CSA, the garden is now the source of so much of our summer vegetables, it seems unnecessary. <br /><br />Robyn ~ Wow, what a great article, thanks for sharing it. Hmm. I wonder if it's the case that their grocery stores have MORE expensive produce and so are more on par with/more expensive than the farmers market. My experience here is that the farmers market is roughly twice the cost. PS I love the farmers markets in the fall!! <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /></i>Alanna Kellogghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12869948243694610558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-81294662302032190922011-05-10T18:56:44.147-05:002011-05-10T18:56:44.147-05:00Hi Alanna
Thought of your post when I read this j...Hi Alanna<br /><br />Thought of your post when I read this just now:<br /><br />http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/05/the-farmers-market-myth/238661/<br /><br /> Here in NZ farmer's markets are now providing autumn delights.Robynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12252225663784285026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-41021807480740719652011-05-10T17:14:31.141-05:002011-05-10T17:14:31.141-05:00Great article!
I'm lucky enough to have a sha...Great article!<br /><br />I'm lucky enough to have a share in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm this year, but I still make my local (I'm in west TN) farmer's market my regular Saturday shopping stop. I've tried all kinds of new things thanks to the farmer's market!stellanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16256148588887525854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-52093802931110677242011-05-10T16:07:43.360-05:002011-05-10T16:07:43.360-05:00Really great information here. I love farmer'...Really great information here. I love farmer's markets, and when I go I usually go with few or no preconceived ideas of what I want to buy - I just get what looks best that day. It isn't necessary to get to know the vendors, but it's fun. If several things look really good to me but I can't or don't want to buy them all, they'll usually steer me towards what's absolutely the best buy in terms of peak flavor. The best thing is sometimes you get to buy things that very few supermarkets will ever stock (fiddlehead ferns, for example).Kitchen Riffshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09334461438904669081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-16325207743926987772011-05-10T12:14:22.155-05:002011-05-10T12:14:22.155-05:00What I like best is getting in touch with the seas...What I like best is getting in touch with the seasonality of the produce. It helps guide my decisions on when a strawberry shortcake or pie will taste better than great!cube3uhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11414602617593892238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-15962954018168705392011-05-10T11:35:30.121-05:002011-05-10T11:35:30.121-05:00My experience with farmer's markets is exclusi...My experience with farmer's markets is exclusively in Sacramento, CA which is pretty much fresh produce heaven. There if you want a bargain it pays to go around 45 minutes before the market closes. Vendors would rather sell their offerings than pack them up so prices fall a lot.Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08853613306246635572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-53059485657250078232011-05-10T11:03:49.849-05:002011-05-10T11:03:49.849-05:00Thanks for your post! Do you more often go lookin...Thanks for your post! Do you more often go looking for something specific for x recipe or do you just buy what looks great and try to make something with it?Michellenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-42700673329123732942011-05-10T11:01:42.351-05:002011-05-10T11:01:42.351-05:00Getting to know your vendors on a first name basis...Getting to know your vendors on a first name basis is not only helpful but exciting! I live in Middle Tennessee and our farmers market opens on the second Friday of May (yeah this weekend) then opens every Tuesday & Friday from 6:00am to 11:00am - I love it! And I know exactly where to go to find the best okra, green beans, jams, etc...I get started with my vendors while I wait for our garden to take off.<br /><br />Nothing compares to meeting the Farmers and when they know your name, well...it just warms the heart!<br /><br />May God bless all our farmers and all our families!<br /><br />Blessings to all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11944565.post-248532301850040562011-05-10T10:47:25.045-05:002011-05-10T10:47:25.045-05:00Alanna,
Good article! I've got a piece on a fa...Alanna,<br />Good article! I've got a piece on a farmers' market (and specifically Donna, the tomato lady) scheduled for next Tuesday.Kevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01385923797403540154noreply@blogger.com