The Difference Between Grocery Store and Farmers Market Produce

Farmers markets seem to be popping up all over the place these days which is excellent news for local consumers. There is a significant difference between grocery store and farmers market produce.

Grocery store produce is normally shipped into an area by truck or train in bulk which is stored for several days in the grocer's cooler. By the time the consumer buys it, it has lost most of its flavor and nutrition.

When produce is stored in a cooler for any length of time it develops what is called cooler webbing which is similar in appearance to actual spider webs. Grapes are especially prone to cooler webbing which forms within the clusters.

Produce found at a farmers market is usually harvested daily which means that it not only contains more nutrition but much better taste due to its freshness. What's more, there's no wax which is an oily substance used to coat produce such as cucumbers, peppers and apples for shipping in order to extend the shelf life.

This wax coating is just one of the many government regulations that farmers don't have to follow when selling locally which also reduces cost. Area farmers market patrons don't need or want the wax and they could care less about packaging and labels.

With so many people going green today, farmers markets are becoming more popular as they decrease the amount of produce being shipped out of the area, reducing fuel usage. This also lowers the amount of cardboard boxes used in shipping which contribute to our already overburdened waste and recycling facilities.

Some farmers markets sell only in bulk and with today's weak economy, a number of people have invested in deep freezers. Home canning has also become popular again and since the produce at a farmers market is so fresh, it's like having your own garden without the work.

However, with farmers markets growing in popularity, many of them have begun catering to those who can't use a whole box of squash or a bushel of corn. Nevertheless, in most cases, the more you buy the better the price which is why some communities and families get together and buy in bulk to get the better price.

Grocery stores don't haggle. Their prices are nonnegotiable. Farmers markets deal in fast turnovers and prices are often flexible especially when approached by those ready to purchase several items.

Therefore, the difference between grocery store and farmers market produce goes beyond price and quality. Shopping at a farmers market puts money back into the community and helps the environment. Their produce far exceeds anything found in the produce section at the grocery store in quality and price and can actually be cheaper than growing it yourself.