Save and Conquer

Most every Sunday morning we visit a local farmer’s market to buy the coming week’s worth of fruits and vegetables. Farmer’s markets always have the current seasonal fruits and vegetables. You can also find fresh-baked goods, cheeses, nuts, dried fruit, fresh sea food, ethnic food, desserts, flowers, and various craft items.

Today we bought a 10-pound bag of navel oranges for $7 for our monthly “snack day” provision for our son’s school class. (My wife is baking soft “shamrock” bread sticks in honor of St. Patrick’s Day for the main snack, as well.)

Many of the fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s market are organic, so they may be more expensive than those at a supermarket. It’s up to each person to decide how much a premium to put on organic. My wife also reminded me that farmer’s markets are also good for the environment because the produce are not shipped and trucked so far.

We often run into friends at the market, as well. Today we stopped and talked about origami frogs with one of our son’s classmates and her father.

The best time to visit the market is just before closing time. The vendors are anxious to get rid of what they’ve brought in those last minutes. Often you will hear them calling out their last minute deals. Even if they are not doing that, you can walk up and offer something like 50 to 60% of the asking price, and often get it. We usually get our week’s supply of fruit and vegetables for something under $20.

You can find the location and schedule of local farmer’s markets in your local newspaper or online.

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