Why Shop At A Farmer's Market

By Author: Tom Straub
Total Articles: 14
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It seems as though certain produce has a better taste during the beginning of a particular season. Do you ever wondered why? The key reason for this is that this is when the fresh produce becomes available. Chefs have always been aware of this fact. That is why they will buy the new harvest of produce at the farmer's markets and other places where local produce is available whenever possible, since it will dramatically improve their cooking.

Here, below are a few more suggestions on how to buy fresh food at a farmer's market.

Take A Look At the Best Markets

It is a good idea to start by looking for the best markets close by. You will more able to check out markets that sell the best local produce during the Spring. When the season's produce becomes available, it will be displayed in the markets. Items like strawberries, spring greens and asparagus, will be the freshest in this season.

Other types of produce have certain seasons that they will grow in as well. A farmer's almanac may be a good guide to determine what is the best produce in each season of the year. Or, you can ask your chamber of commerce ...
... for locally grown produce information and where your nearest farmer's market is. This will help you find out when the fresh foods are available in your immediate area.

Learn About the Local Cuisine

If you learn about the local cuisine and the local produce this can greatly enhance your cooking. Local produce markets are uniquely appealing because they open up access to the different local specialties. Different regions are known for their particular foods and for its fine quality. The local cuisine is usually has their specialty available, when the food is harvested.

Why not check out the local cuisine in your area? The farmer's market closest to you will have the tastiest food available at its peak quality. For instance, you can shop for tomatoes during the summer months and make fresh tomato sauce for many of your recipes. Or, if you would rather keep the oven off during the hot season, you can still serve some of the best sandwiches with fresh tomato slices.

Food That Inspires

Do you need a little inspiration for your cooking? A fun and easy place to look is at a farmer's market. You will be able to browse over numerous displays of some of the finest, fresh produce that are in the peak of its season. Here, you can discover new ways to prepare and cook meals. Say, in the Spring, you could see one of the ripened fruit of the season, strawberries and consider making strawberry tarts to show off their vibrant color. Professional chefs apply this technique to delight their customers as each new season yields its fresh produce. In other words, they let available ingredients dictate what they will cook.

Shopping for the fresh local produce can really enhance your cooking and give you a lot of satisfaction in the rave reviews that you will likely receive. The Internet is a good way to find help with a copy of an ebook that includes everything you ever wanted to know about cooking and were afraid to ask.