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K-State horticulturist offers tips for 'fitting in' at farmers marketsRepeated food-safety scares haven't inspired very many Americans to plow up the back yard and plant their own fruits and vegetables. But, such worries keep bringing new customers to the nation's local farmers markets, said Chelsey Wasem, horticulturist with Kansas State University Research and Extension. "If new customers just watch what's going on for a while, they'll soon discover that shopping at a local market can be lots of fun--as well as reassuring," she said. To help new customers act like "regulars," however, Wasem offered these tips: 1. Pace yourself. Take time to walk through the entire market before making your purchases. Talk to the farmers. Get to know who they are and start building relationships. At the same time, compare prices, and remember the best buy may be just around the corner. 2. Pick the best. Avoid bruised or wilted or otherwise damaged produce. To help you identify what's freshest, ask when produce was picked. "Don't be afraid to ask questions, whether you're at a farmer's display or standing next to another customer. That's how you can learn such things as whether size makes a difference in indicating maturity or taste," Wasem said. "A smaller zucchini or ear of corn, for example is often sweeter than a larger, 'overgrown' one." To get the best, also ask to taste before you buy. If the vendor isn't offering free samples, offer to pay for one. Buying a single tomato could save you from buying a bag of tasteless ones. 3. Keep it fresh. Bring your own reusable bags. If nothing else, that will reduce the number of plastic bags floating around the market. Plus, bring and keep a cooler in the car, complete with bags of ice or frozen ice packs. Use the cooler to stow away purchases while you're still shopping and to keep the foods fresh as you drive home. "An outbreak of foodborne illness can be a good reminder of why having a local, healthful food supply is still important," Wasem said. "But, in terms of good eating, the fresher the produce, the better." Some farmers markets also go far beyond fruits and vegetables, the horticulturist added. They may offer homemade jams, bedding plants, cut flowers, nuts, meats, and/or an array of local handicrafts. When they go on vacation, Americans don't have to abandon the taste and nutrition of just-picked produce. In fact, they can make visiting other locale's farmers markets a part of their holiday itinerary. For help in planning such visits, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest "National Directory of Farmers Markets" is on the Web (www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets). 9/8/08 Date: 8/29/08
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