I've been talking about fresh produce and how to care for produce so you don't waste it but today, I want to share some more thoughts about visiting your local farmers market.
I go to the farmer's market in my community each friday morning. In the beginning the offering was limited. Many items were not ready for harvest but as we progress through the summer the harvest is plentiful.
Sometimes I, and many of you too, are tempted to buy some of everything. It looks so good and seems like the right thing to do. Impulsively we just grab it up and take it home with no thought for when or how we will consume it all. Additionally, we bring very hot produce into our homes and immediately refrigerate it. Often we even leave it in the bag we purchased it in; perhaps even sealed bags.
While I have done all of these things myself, I want to caution you about your farmer's market purchases.
1. Don't buy more than you can eat in a few days. Produce doesn't last long enough to buy more than 5-7 days supply. Just because you see it doesn't mean you need it. Before you go, plan your shopping list/meals for a set time period and buy only what you need. Add recipes that include fresh produce and make the most of the opportunity to buy fresh.
2. Don't bring your produce into the house and put immediately into the fridge. Let is set for a short time at room temperature. Often the produce I purchase at a farmer's market has been sitting outside in 90 degree temperatures. If you bring it in and put in a 40 degree fridge moisture will form and moisture is not a friend to fresh produce. So I recommend bringing it in and setting it on your counter. Let it slowly adjust to room temperature. And above all, do not leave it in a sealed bag.
3. As with all fresh produce, I recommend cleaning and preparing it for storage. Shuck the corn, wash it, and place it in container ready to cook. Many of the items you purchase at the farmer's market can be washed and prepared for cooking or eating. So do it now while it's acclimating to a lower temp and save time later.
4. Take your children with you! This is a great family outing and for many children it may be a learning experience. Often kids grow up not knowing what an eggplant looks like. Well, this is our chance to show them vegetables that we may not eat often. I think that it is a great activity for picky eaters. As they see fresh fruits and vegetabes and learn about the health benefits, maybe even get to sample some of them, they may develop an interest or liking for something they wouldn't otherwise try. Take the wagon for smaller children and your produce purchases!
Farmer's markets are fun! In the last 15 years, farmer's markets in the U.S. have tripled in number. Fresh and local are both great offerings for produce. So find the farmer's market in your community and enjoy!