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Health & Fitness

10 Farmers Market Shopping Tips

Potomac VIllage Farmers Market - (May 9th) At the Market

Thursday, May 9th, is the second Thursday of the 2013 season for the Potomac Village Farmers Market.  

Last week was opening day. It was a gloriously sun-filled day with lots of local community residents stopping by to visit their favorite farmers and meeting new vendors.  

This week promises to be just as exciting and delicious with loads of spring goodness abound. We've got our fingers-crossed for strawberries but the farmers aren't making any promises. Corey of McCleaf's Orchards notes that there’s lots of produce and fruit on the way – it's just taking a little longer to fully mature because of the cool nights. Yet, there's still plenty of good food for the taking.  Delish Fuji apples, spring lettuces, herbs, asparagus, fresh fish, olive oils, vinegars, and baked goods to take home and serve yourself and your family. All of our regular vendors will be in attendance too plus a few newcomers including Jason of Hill Meadow Farm, Mary Katherine of Open Book Farm, Robert of Lydia's Fields, and Susie of CY&L Gardens.  

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As the farmers market season kick-offs in earnest, I thought I'd share some helpful market shopping tips with you found at http://www.oboyorganic.com/blog/local-farmer-markets.  

10 Things You Should Know About A Farmers Market

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1. Get there EARLY - It's less crowded and you get your pick. If you can't make it out of bed then that is OK, you may not get your pick but you might get some late day deals.  

2. If you spend $100 at a farmers market, $62 goes back into the local economy -- and $99 out of $100 stays in the state. If you spend $100 at a grocery store, only $25 stays here. So, where do you want your money to go? 

3. You Get to Sample -  Most of the time farmers will allow you to sample the foods before buying, can't get that at the grocery store! 

4. Don't try and wheel and deal - The prices are fair, and remember this is how they make a living!

5. Bring Reusable Bags - Reusable bags are much better to carry produce and more eco-friendly than plastic ones, you can even use a backpack to make hauling easier, especially for weighty or bulky items.

6. Bring Small Bills and Change - Although vendors will make change, purchases will go easier and faster if you have exact (or close to exact) change. At some farmers markets "small change" means dimes and nickels. In larger urban areas many products at farmers markets are sold in dollar or fifty-cent increments. At Potomac Village Farmers Market many vendors have credit card processing machines!

7. Know What's In Season - This will make meal planning easier. Don't except peaches or corn in June. Plan meals around the local produce you find at the Market. 

8. Plan For Spontaneity - Yes, you’ll fare better if you plan your trip to the farmers market. However, you need to leave a bit of wiggle room for those items you didn't realize would be at the market that week. Trying new items is part of the fun of going to farmer markets. 

9. Think REAL food - When entering the market think of going to a farm and picking the vegetable from the earth because that is it looks like. The foods you will find will be unprocessed, un-shined and peeled veggies with yes...some dirt on them.

10. Get Advice - If you are unsure of how to cook a certain vegetable ask the farmer. The people at the market will give you tons of advice on preparing the food and even some good recipes too.

Check out our website at www.potomacvillagefarmersmarket.net or our Facebook page for details of what's new at the market each week. To get on our newsletter email list that features additions and specials each week, send an email to contact@potomacvillagefarmersmarket.net.

See you on Thursday 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm at the corner of Falls Road and Democracy Blvd. in the parking lot of the Potomac United Methodist Church.  

Cheers! The Market Master

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