Hi there Wholesome RD readers! My name is Jenny and I blog over at Fitness Health and Food and I am so happy to be spending a little time with you today.
I was flattered when Erin asked me to guest post as I love to visit WholesomeRD.com and drool over her recipes.
My readers know that I am enthusiastic about many things related to fitness, health, and food, however, nothing makes me happier than an awesome farmers market!
For the past six years, my husband I have been living in Chicago where we would visit the Green City Farmers Market in Lincoln Park every weekend to stock up on verdant, vibrant, and deliciously fresh produce and baked goodies.
Just this past Saturday, we moved across the country to our new hometown of Newburyport located in North Shore Massachusetts. Newburyport sure knows how to make me feel at home because they host a fantastic farmers market each Sunday mere blocks away from our new apartment! 
Since I am a farmers market fiend, I wanted to share a few tips to help you enjoy your local farmers market to the fullest.
Farmers Market Tip #1: Browse before buying
Farmers markets showcase the goods of nearby farms, therefore, it’s likely that many of the vendors at your local market will be selling the similar goodies. Take the time to walk around, see what catches your eye, and compare pricing.
Farmers Market Tip #2: Talk to the vendors
I have learned so much about produce, farming, and cooking simply by chatting with the vendors I met at farmers markets. For instance, during my first visit to the Newburyport Farmers Market this past weekend, I noticed that a vendor was selling both conventional cucumbers and fresh pickling cucumbers. Having never eaten fresh pickling cucumbers before, I asked him about the difference between the two. The vendor explained the differences in taste and texture as well as his favorite way to eat and prepare the two. After the helpful conversation, my husband and I made sure to buy both varieties so that we could do a fun taste test at home.
Farmers Market Tip #3: Don’t assume that produce isn’t organically grown simply because it’s not labeled organic.
The organic certification procedure is too expensive for most small farms even if they are following health and environmentally conscious farming practices. Therefore, it is important to ask each vendor about the way in which they grow their produce or raise their livestock. Most vendors will be proud to explain the care that they take with their craft.
Farmers Market Tip #4 Taste!
Many vendors will offer sample of their fruits, veggies, and cheese to entice customers into buying their goods. If a sample isn’t immediately available, don’t be shy about asking for a taste!
Farmers Market Tip #5 Go hungry
I know that grocery shopping with an appetite is a usually a big no-no, however, farmers markets have tons of fresh, delicious, nutritious, and affordable breakfast, brunch and lunch options to choose from. Every time I’ve visited a farmers market without an appetite, I wish I had gone hungry because I always see something I want to eat right then and there!
Thanks so much for spending time with me today. I hope that my tips have encouraged you to find your local farmers market and get shopping!
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Thanks to Jenny for this wonderful guest post! Make sure to check out her blog for fitness tips, great recipes and read about her new adventures on the East Coast (and of course see pictures of her adorable pup Mosely! )
