When I first started going to farmers markets, I had absolutely no idea how to navigate it and what to buy. I ended up just tasting things and buying bread - which is still cool. But I ended up with nothing to cook with. This happened a few times till I finally mustered the courage to buy real vegetables and not sound totally silly to the sellers.
Here is a list of a few things you can get at the farmers market that give grocery stores serious competition: 1. Tomatoes: Farmers market tomatoes are the best - they are cheaper AND bigger! The redder the better. Avoid squishy tomatoes as they will rot! Ripe, firm and red tomatoes can be used in variety of salads and dishes. 2. Cucumber: One of the most hydrating and delicious vegetables out there. It goes perfectly with tomatoes in a quick cucumber tomato salad. Again, cheaper than grocery store and juicier than ever. 3. Avocado: If I could eat avocado with everything, I totally would. Farmers market avocados are much larger and close to half price of grocery store. I end up using mine for 3 meals! Avocado tip: if you use only half, leave the pip in the other half and it won't go brown when you refrigerate it. Be sure to put it in a ziplock or plastic container. 4. Garlic: The best garlic I have had is also from farmers market. Just roast them and you can eat them whole. Look for elephant garlic for putting in Moroccan type dishes whole or regular small garlic for use in cooking. You will not regret! 5. Bell Peppers: Probably my favorite vegetable. Peppers at the market will also rival grocery store prices with the additional benefit: No pesticides! You can stuff bell peppers with a variety of things which makes a very healthy dinner (easy on the cheese =P ). Grab 1-2 and you can chop half at a time for a small dish or use one whole for dinner! 6. Herbs: Start growing herbs instead of buying them at grocery store. You can buy potted herbs at farmers market for same price as a small serving at grocery store. It reduces your carbon foot print plus the herbs of your liking will be easily available in your kitchen. (Maybe I'll write a blog post about that hmmm...). You can even buy potted cherry tomatoes and have infinite salads! 7. Eggs: Again, local eggs are awesome. The hens these eggs come from are usually open range from local small farms. Every time I see eggs at farmers market, I make it a point to pick up at least half a dozen! Try making a creme brûlée with these eggs and you will not regret! 8. Meats: Farmers markets pride themselves in farm grown and humanely treated meats. These might be pricier than usual grocery store stuff, but you can assure yourself that your food was happy and healthy roaming around mother earth :) Farmers markets are exciting but avoid purchasing more food than you need. Its great to be realistic about what you will have in the week and how much time you'll have to cook. Here is a quick lunch I fixed myself after going to my local farmers market in Idaho Falls :) Here: tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, pepper jack cheese and french bread. The veggies have a touch of olive oil and salt and pepper. Super healthy, super quick and super yum!
1 Comment
Justin
6/24/2014 01:36:14 pm
Love the healthy lunch. Great blog post mahi
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MahimaNuclear Engineer, Product and Strategy expert, Vegetarian, Adventurer. Categories
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