Tips For Huntley's Farmers Market

Huntley’s Farmers Market will be the place to be in coming weeks as more fresh produce becomes available. Later this month, the market will feature a free corn boil.

Farmers markets have become a staple of summer for many towns based on several factors. The environmental benefits of supporting a local farmers market are numerous. The produce generally is locally grown and the other foods sold there also often are sourced locally. Some of the produce you’ll find uses fewer, if any, pesticides than the produce sold at grocery stores. It also helps you support local farms and the community. 

Aside from all of the green benefits of farmers markets, it is also fun, and you can get high-quality produce while saving money.

Here are some tips to help you maximize your farmers market shopping experience:

• Bring your own bags. It’s an obvious one, but one that’s easy to forget. Bringing a cooler also can be helpful once the weather heats up some more.
• Bring cash and bring smaller bills when possible. It is easier on the vendors when they do not have to break a $20 bill for just a few dollars of produce.
• Go early, or go late. The highest quality merchandise and the broadest selections are there just as the market opens, but if you go toward the end, you often can get some great deals. Sometimes the farmers do not want to have to bring the produce back, so they’ll lower prices. 
• Ask about pesticide use. Some items might not be USDA-certified organic, but they still might be low on pesticide use or totally pesticide-free. Certification can be costly for smaller farms, so even if they are not certified as organic, the produce still might have been grown in an organic fashion.
• Get to know the farmers. Usually they are happy to answer any questions you might have about their produce and their farm. 
• Expect more than just produce.  Newton's farmers markets often sell local meats, cheeses, baked goods, crafts, and sometimes there is even entertainment!
• Learn what is in season and with that knowledge, plan your meals ahead of time. This helps you get the highest quality seasonal produce for your meals.
• Compare prices. Sometimes there is a better deal right over in the next stall!
• Try something new. You might come across some funky-looking vegetable that you have never seen at Star Market before. Give it a shot! It could be your new favorite food.
• Bring the family. Teach your kids that going grocery shopping does not have to be boring and educate them about the importance of supporting local farms.

Most of all, have fun!  Huntley has great farmers markets, so take advantage. The food is fantastic, it supports the community, and it is good for the environment. Enjoy yourself!

The Huntley Farmers Market is held at the Square, at East Coral Street and North Church Street, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday.

For more stories on Huntley’s Farmer Market and a map, click on these links: