My Top 5 Tricks For Farmers' Markets
1. Buy extra.
It's tough to resist the temptation to snack on fruit fresh from the market on the way home, so I always purchase two or even three times as much as I think I need. That way, if I can hold off devouring the entire little basket, I can use these bite-size flavor bombs to seriously upgrade my favorite sweet and savory summer dishes… beyond cobblers and pies.
For example, when grilling pork chops or chicken, toss on some oiled Vidalia onions and peaches. Grill until they are soft and have color, chop them up, salt to taste!
My very favorite tip? If you have leftover soft herbs like basil, mint, and tarragon, pick the leaves off and toss them directly into your salads! They take a boring mesclun or kale mix over the top.
2. Talk to the vendors and farmers.
They're usually up at the wee hours of the morning (we see them at 4am when we're getting ready to start the bagel bake at Bagel Uprising), spend time setting up, work all day, and then pack it up to open somewhere else the next day. Engage with them! Ask them what their favorite current haul is. Ask them about where the farm is. Don't just ask for the "prettiest green beans." Before you know it, they might be putting aside the best corn for the kindest customer.
3. Ask for "seconds" or be a late creeper.
If you are on a budget, chefs, bakers, and jam makers know the market's best-kept secret: seconds. This is produce that's bruised, nicked, or just past its prime and is usually sold at or below cost. Seconds can be just as good as (or better than) the pristine stuff; think ugly delicious. Overripe stone fruits perform brilliantly in pies, giving off tons of natural sugar and pectin. Bruised tomatoes are perfect for a fresh Bloody Mary or saucy toast topping.
Incorporate any overripe fruits into cocktails where their bright nectar softens both the heat of alcohol and tang of vinegar. Or macerate your aging harvest with a sprinkling of sugar for an easy way to dress up ice creams.
If you are really trying to save a buck, wait until five minutes before the market closes and swoop in to make an offer to take any extras off of the tired vendors' hands.
4. Bring cash and small bills.
Yes, everyone has a card reader, but this privilege comes at the farmer's expense. By bringing cash and specifically small bills, you keep money in your farmer's pocket, and you make it easier for her to make change for the masses of folks bringing nothing but $20 bills from the nearby ATM.
5. The freezer is your friend.
If you forget to use your bounty before it looks questionable, lucky you! Preserve that fleeting summer flavor for just a little longer, either by whipping up a batch of jam or by stocking your freezer. Spread the fruit out in a single layer on baking sheets, freeze, then transfer those icy treasures to airtight containers or zip-top bags. Come wintertime, you'll be glad you did.
