A Blast from the Past
It was a regular Saturday event in towns across the South more than 100 years ago. Farm families would climb into horse-drawn wagons for their weekly trip to town to stock up on necessities. That tradition is being revived in cities across the South, but with a 21st-century twist. Now city families are piling into their SUVs and mini-vans to visit urban farmers’ markets, where they can meet the farmers who grow their food and buy some of the freshest produce around.
From the Durham Farmers’ Market in Durham, North Carolina, here are some tips to make your trip to your local farmers’ market more enjoyable:
• Most markets are held outdoors, rain or shine, so dress appropriately. Wear
comfortable shoes for walking on city streets, and bring a hat and sunscreen for
sunny days. Tuck a rain slicker or a small umbrella into your bag if rain is in
the forecast.
• Bring sturdy shopping bags or baskets to hold your purchases. If there are a
lot of items on your shopping list, a wheeled cart or a child’s wagon is a smart
idea.
• Many vendors price their produce at even dollar amounts so bring one- and five-dollar bills to make change easily.
• The busiest time for most markets is between 8 and 10 a.m. Some vendors may sell out of popular items, such as seasonal vegetables or fresh flowers, so come early for the best selection.
• Most importantly, ask a lot of questions. The people standing behind the tables are more than likely the people who grew the tomatoes, okra, and peas you’re buying. They’re happy to explain how their produce is grown and to share tips on the best way to prepare them for your family’s table.
