Walk on the Wild Side by planting yourself at a local farmer’s market

There is so much to see and explore. Let’s go on a tour to learn more about them. What is a farmers market? A farmer’s market is where growers can sell their items directly to the consumer. It is said that farmer’s markets date back to the early 1600s in North America and were hosted in city centers as the primary way for people to have access to fresh produce, meats, and dairy items. This still holds today!  

Things you can find at a farmers market are local produce, handmade items such as candles, soaps, fresh & dried flowers, fresh & dried fruits, locally produced honey, artisanal bread, baked goods, and locally made spirits. New Jersey, also called the garden state, affords so many opportunities to eat local and fresh with over 100 farmer’s markets, it’s easy to locate one in a town near your neighborhood. Farmer’s markets take place on different days of the week supplying plenty of chances to shop fresh and local. The best way to find a local market is by inquiring with your local municipality. Another way to find nearby markets is to visit our website or search these other resources; New Jersey Farmers Market Coalition Guide  or Jersey Fresh Guide to Farmers Markets  

There has been much discussion about living a local lifestyle for optimum health and as part of a flourishing community model. Farmers Markets represent one piece of the healthy community paradigm as they increase access to healthy food. Food at these farmer’s markets typically features farm-grown items from the area and allows shoppers to make a connection with their local farm. While shopping for produce you can engage with the farmers to learn about their farming practices to “know your food and know your farmer”. Connecting with your neighborhood grower helps with eating in harmony with the season providing you with optimum nutrition for what your body needs at certain times of the year.

 

In Harmony with the Seasons

Eating whole foods in harmony with the seasons is better for you. Processed foods are less economical as you are paying for fillers and packaging, whereas fresh field fruits and vegetables are all-natural they provide more value for the dollar.  Eating in season allows you to enjoy the freshest produce picked at the peak of ripeness which makes them more flavorful and nutritious. Following the natural harmony of the seasons means that you are getting local foods that do not have to be picked unripe and transported and provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs in that period. 

help provide a valuable teaching tool for young shoppers. Studies have shown that children who are involved in selecting their produce are more likely to engage in making good food choices that remain with them. Inspire the next generation by bringing your kids or grandkids to meet your local farmers and sample some fresh fruits and vegetables while you foster healthier eating habits.

 

Make Your Meals Shine

Bring the berry best to your dinner table every night by shopping at your local farmers market. Fresh food tastes great alone and does not need much preparation to have your taste buds singing. Summer is a great time to enjoy the fresh tastes and experiment with different flavors found at your local market. Simple peaches drizzled with local honey are better than any other dessert, so fresh and so seasonal. Grilling is a great way to serve sweet corn, summer squash, eggplant, or peppers that are plentiful this time of year. Get inspired with recipes on our website.

 

Picked at the Right Time 

Nothing tastes as delectable as in-season produce that has been sun-kissed, field-ripened, and fresh-picked, providing the perfect combination for appetizing, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Eating in season lifestyle enhances your body with foods and nutrition required to thrive in that season, affords better taste & flavor from consuming locally grown food that has been picked ripe in the fields, and reduces your carbon footprint as foods are consumed locally where they are grown and not transported great distances, all while providing more harmonious living with nature.

Our team likes to share recipes and cooking techniques and we post fun tips for you on our social media. Did you know that we have a culinary and educational specialist on staff to help guide you to maximize the flavor and nutrition of eating farm fresh? Check out some of Miss Jenn’s recipe inspirations for eating in the season by visiting our website to be ready to shop at your local farmers market for dinner tonight!

Learn more about our local Bedminster Farmer’s Market in this fun video for a glimpse of what you can expect!