Dull daytrips make for serious summer doldrums. There’s a simple fix: a trip to your local farmers market can add some sizzle to your summer in a snap. Farmer’s markets are everywhere in New Hampshire. Some take place on weekdays; others take place on weekends. You can stay local or head to another town and do some sightseeing along the way. And whatever you’re looking for, chances are there’s a nearby farmers market that has it.
But what do you do once you get to the farmers market?
Try some locally grown fruits and vegetables from local farmers. Visit the market often — fruits and vegetables have different growing seasons. When they are in season, the price is often lower too.
Make a list! You’ll find fruits, veggies, flowers, plants, dairy products, maple syrup, baked goods, fish, meat, honey, soap, and dozens of other things at farmers markets. It can be overwhelming. Have a list ready, but be flexible. You might find something else that will work at a lower price. Make sure to check out all the vendors’ booths before you make any decisions, because different vendors have different produce and pricing. Bring along a cloth or plastic bag with you for carrying your purchases — not all vendors have bags (and it’s the neighborly thing to do).
Make it a family day. Bring the kids along and let them pick out which fruits and vegetables they like. They’ll be more inclined to eat them if they are part of the decision-making. Bring the Farmers’ Market Scavenger Hunt to the market and have fun finding all the answers.
Eat with your eyes. Use the market as an opportunity to try something new. Add a little crunch and color to your day with a vegetable or fruit you’ve never had before. Be bold, be daring and get started on giving fresh, local fruits and veggies half of your plate’s real estate.
Stay safe. Plan your trip so that you can get perishable foods home and in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Remember: keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold! Eat it up! Don’t let all that delicious food go to waste — end your day by trying out some new recipes (or revisiting some old favorites) that use fresh fruits and vegetables.
