New Bern Craven County Area Farmers Market Inc.

—or what I wish people would ask about shopping at the market! by Julia McKeon, manager New Bern Farmers Market All Farmers Markets are different but here are a few tips that apply to most all markets to make your visit a comfortable and rewarding experience. Dress for Comfort– Wear walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate cool mornings and rising temperatures. Take along a sun hat and umbrella, just in case. Include the Kids– Use it as a “teaching time.”  Show them what potatoes and tomatoes look like before becoming french fries and ketchup.  It’s never too early or too late to reinforce the importance of eating healthy food.  Teach them not to touch everything they see. Carry Cash– Be sure to have cash, including small bills.  Vendors often run out of change for those ATM $20’s. Credit cards and checks usually are not accepted.  Although, a few vendors now have credit card attachment for smart phones. Bring Bags– Bring your own reusable shopping bags or tuck a few plastic/paper bags into your pocket.  You’ll be helping the merchants and the environment. Food Safety experts now advise you to wash reusable shopping bags after each use. Pack a Cooler –Going to be at the market awhile, not going directly home, got a ways to drive?  Carry a cooler in the car so you can keep your purchases fresh, cool, and safe. Take Your Time –Enjoy browsing.  Make a loop around the market.  See what everyone has.  Take note of items of interest and return to make your purchases. Try Something New –Many vendors offer free samples.  It’s a cheap way to experiment with a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tasted before.  Besides it’s educational and fun! Connect –Introduce yourself and get to know your farmers. Some offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) options and can tell you how to get their product when the market is closed.  They might even invite you to the farm! Do Your Homework –Every area has its own climate and growing seasons. Obtain a seasonal produce calendar for your area showing when each fruit or vegetable might be available.  Don’t look for May peas in August and watermelons in April. Ask Questions –Most vendors are happy to discuss their products and how they raised them.  Be wary of vendors, like politicians, who run down others.ask about growing practices, including soil care and chemical use.ask when an item was picked, how to tell if it is ripe, and how it’s properly stored.ask about ways to use an item in cooking.  Some farmers will share recipes.ask when a favorite fruit or vegetable might be ready to bring to market.ask about how the weather has affected a certain crop.ask about lower priced items in bulk if you’re interested in freezing/canning.ask if they have an email to post availability of veggies ask about growing practices, including soil care and chemical use. ask when an item was picked, how to tell if it is ripe, and how it’s properly stored. ask about ways to use an item in cooking.  Some farmers will share recipes. ask when a favorite fruit or vegetable might be ready to bring to market. ask about how the weather has affected a certain crop. ask about lower priced items in bulk if you’re interested in freezing/canning. ask if they have an email to post availability of veggies Don’t Plan Ahead –Don’t go to the market looking for one specialty item to finish out a recipe.  More than likely you’ll be disappointed.  Plan your menu after you see what is available fresh on that day. Don’t Make AssumptionsDon’t assume you have to get there at o’dark thirty to get the best.  Many farmers restock their table all through the day.Don’t assume you’ll get lower prices if you go at closing.  Many farmers go to more than one market.Don’t assume items that are not the perfect size, perfect shape, and perfect color are no good. In commercial crops the less than perfect are made into canned soup.  The market farmer brings them to market.  The slightly less than perfect are good eats! Don’t assume