Four Great Farmers’ Market Tips

As Kale and Campfires grows, I want to spotlight different places you can get fresh food locally when you are on your trips. While I love eating out like the next person, there is something so special about cooking in an Airbnb or even in at a campsite when on a trip.

Before I begin spotlighting farmer’s markets, it’s important you know some basic tips and tricks in order to get the best experience possible. Here goes:

Bring Your Own Bag

More than likely the farmers will have plastic bags available to you but it’s much nicer to bring your own bags. It will help you to reduce down on waste for one thing. While we know this is good for the environment, it is also good for keeping your camper clean or reducing your stress when it’s time to leave your Airbnb.

In the rare case that your farmer does not have bags, you are already set, eliminating the need to go to the farmer’s market headquarters and spend more money on a bag or having to carry it by hand. 

Naturally, these bags can double when you are at a grocery store and in places like California, it’s extra handy because they don’t have bags at all.

Bring Cash

This is a big one for me. I always stop at the ATM before I go to the farmers market. Many farmers now take cards but in the rare instance that they don’t, you will still be able to get that beautiful produce. 

Another point to consider with cash versus card- every time they have to swipe, the farmer loses out on money because they have to pay the transaction fee. With local farmers, it’s important to keep as much money in their pockets as possible.

From a personal standpoint, it helps me to keep track of what I am spending. When we go to Waco Farmers Market, I bring sixty dollars. At the end I will give Bre whatever is left for her to be able to purchase flowers. 

Go Early

There have been several times that I wanted something in particular and I was not able to get it because the farmer or producer had sold out of the item. Beyond that, you are going to get some of the best produce because there is more of a selection.

For those of you with some social anxiety, going early also reduces the crowds. You can get your produce and then head to the coffee shop while everyone else is slowly trickling in.

If you can’t go early- wait and go later. This means the farmer might be more willing to sell the product at a reduced price. I will always counter that statement with be fair- this is how many of them make a living.

Research the Market

Make sure you do your research- farmers markets are not always what they seem. In my early days, I had been to a few that had me confused. “I know pineapples don’t grow in this region… how is it at the farmers’ market?” These are markets where people buy in bulk and re-sell. 

A good farmers market is going to be local and their website will define what that means. Most of the ones I go to this means that the farmer has to live within 150 miles of the market.
Most states will have a place you can research, such as Texas Real Food. In addition, keep checking back here at Kale and Campfires as we update our list regularly.