Why You Should Buy from a Farmers Market This Summer

One of my favorite things about summer is the farmers market. My city in North Texas offers three regular farmers market, featuring locally-grown produce from my neighbor's backyards and fields. Each week, I stock my kitchen with fresh squash, potatoes, and onions. In the early summer, I also buy up delicious peaches and strawberries.

Buying locally-grown produce offers the following benefits:

Supporting the local economy. By supporting the "little guy" you're putting money directly pack into your town or city. That "little guy" buys his seeds, fertilizers, and equipment from other "little guys" in the area, and that's a good thing for everyone involved.

Decreasing pollution. Eating food grown within your immediate area obviously cuts down on carbon emissions - less gas, less packaging, less middle men.

Your diet. Nothing compares to a fresh-off-the-vine tomato. If you have healthy, fresh food in your home, you're more inclined to eat it. Not to mention, if you develop a friendship with your local seller, you'll want a reason to visit and support them often.

For whatever reason, there are few misconceptions that keep many from frequenting farmers markets each summer:

Farmers markets are expensive. FALSE. After returning from a farmers market, I called a friend and told her how I felt like I was ripping the farmer off. I'd purchased two bags of food for less than $10. She said, "Really? I always figured the grocery store was cheaper." I've been surprised to learn just how many people share my friend's misconception about farmers markets. In my experience, produce at farmers markets is not only cheaper than the grocery stores, but it's also fresher. All summer, local sellers pick the produce the night before or that very morning. When do you think that red pepper from Honduras was picked?

Farmers markets are dirty. FALSE. The wax on your grocery-store apple isn't exactly clean. While local farmers may or may not use pesticides, the cleanliness of their produce is no dirtier than what you buy at the traditional grocery store. All produce comes from farms. If you have concerns about the locally-grown produce, talk to the seller - they've most likely been the one planting, watering, and harvesting your food.

I don't really like vegetables. FALSE. Many farmers markets offer not only vegetables, but also fruits, nuts, and a variety of locally-made goods such as jams, sauces, and marinades. Some even offer crafts and recipes. Even if you don't personally care for any of the produce offered at a farmers market, finds from the farmers market make unique and practical summer gifts.

Farmers markets only take cash. TRUE. Cash is still king at the farmers market, but times are changing. Some farmers may take local checks and more and more are able to take credit cards. Regardless, they all take (and prefer) cold, hard cash.

This summer, adapt your menu to include locally-grown favorites. Nothing says summer like a slice of fresh watermelon from a farmers market.