It’s Farmers’ Market Season–ENJOY! Each Trip Can Be Great for Your Health!

It’s farmers’ market season! Visiting these markets can truly help you improve your wellness.

In addition to the produce vendors, there may be other vendors selling prepared items or vendors preparing items right there. Saying that, here is my first recommendation:

Go with a plan to buy at least 1-2 different items of produce which you will prepare at least that day or another specified day that week. Do not decide in advance what that will be. Whatever you see there will be, by default, in season. Go with the flow! If something looks interesting but you don’t know what to do with it, ask the farmers selling it. (I have done this with various types of squash that I could not actually identify but looked interesting.) They can often give some good suggestions. When it doubt with a vegetable, you can most likely chop it up, mix it with olive oil and basic seasonings, and then grill or roast it. You do not have to create something fancy to create something delicious! (If you don’t like it after all that, you can place the item in the “tried it but don’t need to try it again” category. If you aren’t willing to give up that fast, find a new recipe and give it another try in the future.)

The items available will change as the season progresses. (Yes, I am stating the obvious, but it does not always come to mind.) It can be fun to pick up something in the morning and then enjoy it with your lunch or dinner that same day. It will also encourage adding more variety to your home menu. Personally, I just get a few things at a time so that I am ready and have the space in my fridge for something new the next time I go, usually the following week. Many communities have weekly farmers’ markets, but you can probably find different area markets various days of the week. Try out the markets in different communities. The produce may be the same, but perhaps the vibe is different or a different vendor will catch your eye. Oftentimes, musical entertainment is present as well.

During the summer months, these markets provide you with a chance to actually spend time outdoors. Most of us probably do not do that enough. (Don’t forget your sunscreen and possibly your insect repellent.) Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. If it is cloudy, still enjoy the fresh air without a glare. These markets usually take place even in the rain. Bring your umbrella. You won’t melt. Get out there!

Can you walk to your local market? If so, if you have the time and the weather cooperates, enjoy the walk! I do recommend having a backpack with you. It makes it easier to carry a water bottle, plus, it makes it easier to transport your purchases back home. I prefer carrying my produce in a backpack as opposed to holding bags in my hands when walking.

My community market is approximately a 1.5 mile walk from my house. When I go, I enjoy the walk (both ways usually—occasionally a family member may drive to meet me and I choose to return home in the car). By the time I arrive at the market, my mindset is already primed in a “health mode” which provides even more inspiration for health food prep. The inspiration grows! (Pun partially intended.)

If the weather is kind of nasty, still go if you can. The nasty weather days make for some of the best “enjoying creative time in the kitchen” days! Obviously, if it seems dangerous outside, cut your losses and wait for the next one.

Going to the market can sometimes be a family activity. My kids often enjoy going. Even with everyone’s busy schedules, most people can afford perhaps an hour of time before other obligations kick in. Walk through the market with the family. Let everyone choose an item to prepare. That way, everyone has contributed to the meal. It is generally a relaxed environment. Take some time to talk together.

There is a good chance that you will run into other people you know while there. Take advantage of these brief opportunities to reconnect. My local market has various vendors which sell meals and different beverages such as coffee drinks. You can do double duty and make a date with a friend to meet there to socialize with a drink/meal/snack and do some shopping as well.

When you enjoy the farmers’ market, you get inspired to include healthy foods in the diet. Stimulate your brain by trying a new item or preparing something in a new (to you) way. Walking to or at least through the market gets you some physical activity. The summer markets tend to be outdoors; enjoy the fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine. Enjoy either some quiet alone time and/or social/reconnecting time with family and friends while out and about. Although you do not have to rush through, if you are limited on time, you still can benefit while working on a relatively tight schedule. Local farmers’ markets benefit not just the farmers and the community; they can directly benefit you as well.

Let me know some of your favorite farmers’ market items and experiences! My first farmers’ market purchase of the season was kale. (I got lucky. I had to work that morning and made it to the market literally 3 minutes before they closed down. I was able to get a few last minute bunches of kale!) I sauteed some of it, and the rest of the family really enjoyed kale chips. Based on previous year’s markets, I am already looking forward to spaghetti squash and Mirai corn later in the season.