4 reasons to shop farmers markets
| Wellness | Healthy You | Eating Right
Nearly every community offers local farmers markets. Here's why they're a healthy choice.
Farmers markets are fun, colorful places where you can get the freshest fruits and vegetables. It’s worth a visit just to see the variety of local products on display. But don’t go home empty-handed. Here are four reasons why shopping at a farmers market is a great choice.
1. Fresh is best. The produce at farmers markets was often still growing just a day or two before you see it. That puts those fruits and veggies at their peak of flavor when you buy them. Fresh produce also is full of antioxidants and other substances that promote health.
2. New foods can be fun. Ever had gooseberries or kohlrabi? You may find some unique produce at a farmers market that you won’t see at a supermarket. Share the adventure of trying new foods with your kids—it can help them enjoy a healthy variety of foods as they grow up.
3. You can talk to the experts. The farmers who grow these foods can give you ideas about how to store, prepare and serve them.
4. Local foods help your fellow residents. Foods sold at farmers markets may cost less than in the supermarket. Plus the money you spend at a farmers market circulates locally.
To get the most from your farmers market visit, be flexible. If the food you want isn’t ready to harvest yet, try something else. And don’t worry about produce that isn’t perfectly shaped or has minor blemishes—it’s still packed with flavor and nutrients.
Learn more about healthy eating.
