Hocking Hills Tourism Association - Ohio Tourism and Travel Blog |
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Posted: 21 Jul 2014 09:09 AM PDT
Make dinner and memories at your Hocking Hills cabin
Heading to the farmers market
might be uncharted territory for you. So, where do you start? What’s in
season? What does USDA certified organic actually mean, anyway?
Around here, we’re experts. We
know that one of the best parts of staying in a Hocking Hills cabin is the
dinner that follows a long day of hiking,
ziplining
and canoeing.
So grab your shopping list and your bag, and head to the farmers market with
an open mind.
1. Don’t be shy. One of the number one
reasons it pays to shop locally
is the ability to get your answers straight from the horse’s mouth. Farmers
who are proud of their crop will often answer any questions you throw at
them. That’s a rare opportunity in our supermarket culture. Get advice on
cooking an unfamiliar veggie, find out what’s coming up in season and what
fare the farmer is planning to have the following week. Go for it. Learn all
you can about the farmer’s growing practices, and remember who you’re buying
from for the next week. Oh, and don’t be discouraged if produce isn’t labeled
organic.
2.
 Find out
why it’s not certified organic. Just because produce is not labeled
organic doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bottom shelf. In fact,
it might be the exact opposite. Some of the best farms are so small that a
single farmer can painstakingly care for the crops. But USDA organic
certification is pricey, and may not be worth it for such a small farm. Many
farms use organic practices, often much more strict than those required by
the government, without even being certified. If a farm doesn’t label their
produce organic, it pays to ask why. You may discover a hidden source of
organically farmed food.
3. Try something new each
week. Another unique aspect of browsing a farmers market is
discovering something new. (What is a pawpaw, after all?) Unlike your
grocery store, you never know what you’ll find from creative farmers. So keep
an open mind, ask lots of questions and surprise your taste buds.
4. Shop early for
selection, but late for deals. Veteran shoppers know that the choicest items
will be snapped up within the first hour of the market’s opening. However, if
you’re looking for the best deals, many vendors would rather sell their stock
at a steal than go home with a full truck. This also often holds true in bad
weather when the crowds thin out.
5. Come Prepared. The savvy shopper
will always have the essentials on hand. Bring your own canvas tote bag or
backpack to avoid starting a plastic bag collection. You’ll also want to
bring reusable plastic bags, paper towels and a water bottle if you plan on
picking up extremely perishable items like herbs or asparagus. Also, many
vendors are cash only, so make sure to go to the ATM beforehand.
Photo credit: Athens Farmers Market Facebook page
6. Plan ahead. The crop cycle
changes throughout the year, so do your due diligence to see what’s in season
before you head out. Knowing what to expect beforehand means you won’t be
disappointed if what you’re looking for isn’t available.
7. Keep an open mind. Flexibility is
your best friend. While you might have your menu planned out
for the week, don’t be surprised to find that one unexpected ingredient.
Whether it’s honey sticks, artisan bread or heirloom tomatoes—expect the
unexpected and don’t be afraid to veer off of your beaten path or away from
your list.
8. Take your time. Scope out all of the
vendors before making your selections. You might be surprised by what you
find at the end of the line, as prices and types of vendors will vary
throughout.
9. Bring the kids. From trying new foods
to making new friends, kids can’t get enough of the farmers market. Let them
to talk to the vendors, pick out some produce, grab a honey straw—just don’t
forget the sunscreen.
10. Buy more than just
veggies. Most farmers markets nowadays (especially the Athens Farmers
Market) offer more than produce. Whether you’re looking for local
dairy products, free-range eggs, artisan bread, handcrafted jewelry, honey,
canned and preserved items or home-baked goods, you’ll find it in Athens.
For the latest updates about the
Athens farmers market, visit their Facebook page.
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