This past Saturday was the first farmer’s market of the season here in our town. These have been going on for a few years, but I have always been too exhausted to get up early and do some farmer’s market shopping. I wasn’t quite at my best, but I didn’t let that stop me from checking out the first market of summer. The hubby and teen and I loaded up to go check it out and I’m so glad we did!
Finding a parking space was a challenge because the market is held on the green strip of our downtown area. We did manage to score a pretty decent parking space and I was so surprised at the number of people in attendance! There were so many vendors offering fresh veggies, homemade bread, flowers and plants, jellies, home-canned goods, sauces, etc. I couldn’t wait to dive in and see what was available.
What We Purchased at the Farmer’s Market
I found the prices to be very fair and we ended up purchasing two dozen fresh eggs, a cucumber, two bell peppers, and some chow-chow and salsa verde for the hubby.
I absolutely LOVE chow-chow and it is so good on top of black-eyed peas. I can’t decide between that and the eggs as being my favorite purchase at the farmer’s market. The woman who makes and sells the chow-chow also had some delicious-looking jellies and I plan to purchase a couple of those at the next market.
My Own Home-grown Tomato
One purchase I didn’t have to make was this tomato. This was the tomato growing on the tomato plant I got for Mother’s Day. I was excited to be able to pick this one finally and we can’t wait to see how it tastes!
I think it’s very important, especially during times like these, to support your local farms and those who use their time and talent to create delicious homemade treats. I am so thankful our little town has a farmer’s market and we definitely plan to attend them each week this summer. You can visit the USDA Local Food Directory to see where there are markets and farms located near you.
Don’t Forget Your Market Bag!
And of course, if you’re heading out to your local farmer’s market, don’t forget your bag! Most vendors only offered plastic bags and toting around several of those can get tiresome and difficult after a while. I found these super cute ones on Amazon and I’m having trouble deciding which one I want to purchase.
Earthwise Reusable Grocery Bag Shopping Tote Cotton Jute Burlap with Leather Handle – Water Resistant Laminated Inner Lining Great for Beach Picnics Farm to Table Print (Wide)Now Designs Burlap Market Tote, Goods and Provisions5 pack Cotton String Shopping Bags Reusable Washable Grocery Mesh Bags Organizer for Grocery Shopping Produce Net Bags with Longhandle for Fruit Vegetable StorageThe Cotton & Canvas Co. Okey Dokey Artichokey Reusable Grocery Bag and Farmers Market Tote BagWhite Raspberry Cottage MADE IN THE USA Natural Canvas & Jute Grocery Shopping Bag, Farmers Market Tote (Farm to Table)KAVU Market Bag Large Tote Bag – MojaveRae Dunn by Enchante Large Canvas Embroidered Tote Bag (Farmers Market)Lilly Pulitzer XL Market Shopper Bag, Oversize Reusable Grocery Tote with Comfortable Shoulder Straps, Bunny Business
I think it’s safe to say a market bag will be the “It Bag” for me this summer!
I love farmer’s markets! So glad you found one that you can go to. Our town has one in the town square and parking can be a challenge too. I will be glad when ours has more veggies. So far most of the vendors have been having asparagus, radishes and last week they were supposed to have zucchini but we didn’t go as we were going out of town for the day. I hope to go this weekend. I take a bag that I had gotten from Shutterfly that works perfect for the market. Hope you have a great rest of your week!