The farmers’ market season, which could mean cost savings for clever buyers. Consumers can make it an experience beyond even just saving money by cutting out the middle man. Stephanie Dunn, executive director of Star Farm, a city farm in Chicago, advises going to the farmers market for the shopping however “take in the whole experience,” she stated. There is something brand-new each week and there is enjoyable to be had– along with cost savings to help the saavy shopper weather the food shortages of the Biden regime.
Star Farm sells produce at eight different farmers’ markets every week, including some in low-income neighborhoods where there are no easy-to-get-to supermarkets.
Neighbors stop and catch up. Farmers give out samples. Recipes get traded. Some farmers’ markets have live music. Some sell tacos and jam and baked goods.
Food straight from the farm stays fresher longer, is more nutritious, and tastes better, Dunn said. In early June, strawberries are at their peak. Buy a flat and pop the extras in the freezer for smoothies. Freeze fresh herbs in the summer to use in soups and stews next winter.
Dunn recommends buying a $30 tabletop vacuum sealer to make the best use of freezer space.
“Eating with the seasons and eating what is most bountiful will definitely get you more bang for your buck,” Dunn said.
Elderly sisters at one market purchase a huge haul of summertime tomatoes every year and after that invest 2 days cooking together to fill their kitchens with containers of homemade tomato sauce. It’s a bonding routine that they eagerly anticipate.
Dunn looks forward to the apricot season.
“The cost of apricots during apricot season – once they come on – you’ll see really competitive prices there,” she said.
One technique for farmers’ market shopping is to appear in the last hour prior to the marketplace closing. Farmers do not wish to carry unsold produce back house. Extras and discount rates can be had.
Worried about increasing meat costs? Stir french fries and larger salads utilize smaller sized quantities of meat without compromising taste and complete satisfaction.
“Incorporating more plant-based options in your diet can help offset the high cost of meat,” Dunn said.
As a hectic mom, Dunn has more luck getting her kids to consume veggies when they have actually been to the farmers market and assisted her select supper. Fresh chosen carrots taste sweeter. When you consume them raw, String beans directly off the vine crunch. There is no contrast in between a buffet cucumber and a crisp aromatic cucumber fresh from the field.
“It’s higher quality nutrition for less price,” Dunn said.
For Dunn, the appeal of the farmers’ market is the entire experience.
“A farmers market is just such an interesting space to be in,” Dunn said. “When you go to a grocery store, it’s silent. You want to hurry up and get out of there.”
At the farmers’ market, folks talk with the growers. A farmer will describe what a kohlrabi is and how to prepare one. Out in the sunlight, individuals people in connecting.
H/T JustTheNews