Early birds get the freshest picks and full selection. If you’re looking for seasonal product, such as strawberries, you need to arrive at the start of market!

You’re going to find it’s easiest to bring your own bags (bonus points if its’s a cooler bag) so that you can put all of your purchases in something that helps with ease of carrying. If you own reusable produce bags, these are awesome when it comes to potatoes or brussel sprouts.

Farmers love sharing about how the grow, harvest, and prepare food. Ask them what’s in season, what’s coming next week, or how to store or cook an unfamiliar item.

Choose based on ripeness, nutrition, and price. Produce often tastes best and has the most nutritional content when it is at peak ripeness.

Building relationships with the farmers and producers means access to insider tips, bulk deals, or pre-order opportunities. Supporting producers supports the local economy. So you’re not just buying food for your family, you’re investing in the community.

Leave the rigid shopping list at home. Bring a few ideas and allow the market and producers to inspire your meals. How about trying one new ingredient each week to expand your seasonal cooking skills.