Are you chomping at the bit for the Salt Lake City Farmers Market to open in just 10 short days? I seriously can’t wait for the fresher and tastier produce as well as the people watching every Saturday during the warmer months. I’ve found lots of expensive food as well as cheaper options, so I was curious to see if you could actually save money shopping local. On my own, I don’t have any great ideas to save money at the farmers market, but lots of others do. I’ve scoured the internet for helpful tips to keep your green on the green.
1. Buy produce when it’s at the height of its season. It tastes better and is cheaper!
2. Buy in bulk. Think Costco, many things there are cheaper b/c you’re buying more. Split a flat of strawberries with family/friends, freeze fresh produce, or can it. Lots of options there.
3. Go late. In efforts to sell their loot, some farmers are willing to throw in a free tomato or two, or give you a little discount. This is a double edged sword type of a savings experiment. If you go late & your favorite farmer is totally out of farm fresh raspberries, you’re outta luck. Really. That’s the pitts.
4. Shop in bad weather. With bad weather comes fewer customers, which means that farmers may be willing to bargain more.
But my new & best recommendation is to hit produce stands outside of farmers markets. I know it’s not as convenient, but price wise, it’s probably way cheaper than farmers market foods. I love the Allreds fruit & Harward vegetable stand on University Avenue in Provo, UT. So many delicious offerings, for far cheaper than farmers market prices.
Find a farmers market near you: http://www.utahsown.org/Markets
References
1. http://21acres.org/news-and-events/News/the-farmers-market-myth-yes-they-really-are-cheaper-than-the-supermarket
2. http://www.thekitchn.com/mythbusting-farmers-markets-ar-146648
3. http://localfoods.about.com/od/farmersmarkets/tp/Farmers–Market-Tips.htm
4. http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/tag/save-money-at-the-farmers-market/
Tell us-what are your fave farmers market finds? Are they comparable to grocery store prices?