Summertime and the local farmer’s market go hand in hand. There is nothing like fruit, veggies and other tasty treats straight from the farm. I love spending the afternoon strolling through, chatting with the vendors and getting some serious culinary inspiration.
In NYC you have to wait for certain days to enjoy the market. But here in LA, you will find neighborhood markets every day of the week. With so many choices it can be difficult to know what to buy and where to start. Here are my tips for navigating your local farmer’s market. The most recognized LA farmer’s market is located right next to The Grove, and it has been a permanent fixture on the corner of 3rd and Fairfax since 1934. Unlike most, The Orignal Farmer’s Market is more that just a place a to buy fresh produce. Lined with food vendors galore, this spot is a local favorite destination to grab lunch or a snack after an afternoon at the mall. Though most come here for the restaurant experience, there are several fresh produce stands, a meat counter, and a fish monger.
For an afternoon at the local farmer’s market on a hot day, I kept my style casual and cool. These tunsian scarf print shorts and matching halter top from Tobi.com (free shipping and 50% off first order) are perfect for the summer weather. I hate “investing” in fashion jewelry I know I am only going to wear a few time, so I was thrilled when my husband found these cute earrings from Target (currently out of stock but I love these styles too).
Tips for Navigating Your Local Farmer’s Market
If you love to cook as I do, then the farmer’s market may feel like a chef’s playground. But before you come home with something like fiddlehead fern and no idea how to cook it, check out my farmer’s market shopping tips.
- Be Familiar with Prices – Farm fresh comes at a cost. I find the produce to be generally a little more expensive than the grocery stores. Know how much you pay for your veggies before you hit the stands, so you can recognize a deal when you see one.
- Arrive Early – People know good looking produce when they see it, and I guarantee it will be the first to go. Get there early so you have first pick of the best crop.
- Talk to the Farmers – Not sure how to cook something you see, better yet, not sure what something is… Ask the farmers. They know their crops and how to store, cook and eat what they are selling. Plus, they may be the inspiration for your next delicious meal.
- Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself – I know first hand that shopping at the farmer’s market can easily lead to buying more than you need. Take it easy, only buy what you plan to cook within the next few days. This way nothing spoils and you aren’t wasting money. The good news is, you can always come back next week to buy more!
Here is a Guide to All Farmer’s Markets in LA and the Greenmarkets in NYC, find the closest one to you with the interactive map.
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Stay Fabulous,
