How to Make the Most of Fall Farmers Markets

Autumn is the best time to supplement your grocery-store run with farm-stand produce.

A mushroom vendor at the Falls Church Farmers Market. Photo by Jenny Sullivan.

6. Get Acquainted

Perhaps the best way to make the most of your farmers market experience is to get to know the people behind the stands. Many of them are selling their food in person because they want to interact with customers. Presumably, that’s part of the reason you’re there, too.

Ask the growers questions and learn more about them: Are they certified organic? Do they use heirloom seeds? How should you store tomatoes and other freshly harvested fruits and veggies? What do the animals eat? Can you visit the farm? Any information you might find on a food label at a grocery store is fair game—and don’t forget to ask why they’re doing what they’re doing.

“Talk to the vendors and the farmers. Ask them their history. Get to know them,” Tydings suggests. “Develop a relationship with them.”

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