Farmers’ markets are a hotspot for foodies who want to know more about where their food really comes from. Local farmers set up stalls to sell their homegrown produce. The types of products tend to be distinct to the region, such as seasonal fruits, juices, homemade jams, vegetables, meat, and even artisan cheeses. Many markets also sell some ready-to-eat local delicacies, such as baked goods.
Here are 10 reasons why you should visit a farmers’ market
1. Avoid excess plastic packaging
A farmers market is a great place to shop plastic-free. Just bring your reusable bags and head home with your fresh produce, and without a scrap of single-use packaging in sight.
2. Good for the environment
Food typically travels halfway around the world before reaching your grocery store shelves. By shopping locally, you cut out all those travel emissions required to ship or fly in food and giving the environment a much-needed breather.
3. The beauty of the scenery
There’s something charming about shopping outdoors, especially on a sunny day. Compare the picturesque tents and buzzing atmosphere of a farmers market to the bright, synthetic lights and blaring advertisements found in supermarkets; you’ll be sure to find farmers markets a much more pleasant place to pause for a moment.
4. Supporting local business
Spend your pennies supporting the local economy and culinary traditions of the region. Every purchase at a farmers’ market helps keep small businesses alive. In some cases, a pop-up stall is a low-barrier entry point for beginner farmers testing their crops and crafts, so our support is extremely helpful to them.
5. Fresh seasonal vegetables and produce
Get it fresh. The farmers may have picked the vegetables on display at the farmers’ market in the last 24 hours. Compare that to the fresh produce found at the supermarket, which might have been in cold storage for days, weeks or even months. Getting in tune with nature by eating seasonal vegetables has many nutritional benefits too!
6. Taste the difference of organic
Farmers’ markets bring you closer to fresh, nutrient-rich, organic food. Conventional food production requires many environmentally unfriendly synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. You can avoid these by shopping organic and local, benefiting both you and the environment.
7. Get A breath of fresh air
Shopping outdoors is not only enjoyable and scenic but also great for getting some fresh air and exercise. The more fresh air you breathe in, the happier and more energised you’ll feel. It’s a great combination of retail therapy and self-care.
8. Connect with your community
The farmers market is a great place to hang out. Whether it’s a date or meeting up with friends, there’s a cheery vibe and lots to look at and sample. Many markets offer a section for socialising, where you can get a hot drink or a local alcoholic beverage.
9. Food with a story
Ever wondered how best to cook or prepare certain vegetables? Just ask! The farmers will be happy to share advice on the best way to boil, cook, or steam your new produce. They will give you tips on recipes, shelf life and storage too.
10. Support the farmer 100%
When you buy from a supermarket, many middlemen are also involved, meaning the farmer gets a smaller percentage. When you buy directly from the farmer, they receive 100% of the profit for their hard work. It’s a simple yet powerful way to support the people who grow our food.
What’s your favourite thing to stock up on at the farmers’ market? Let us know in the comments below.
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