How to Shop at a Farmers Market By Linda Larsen, www.About.com Shopping at a farmers market means you will get the best, freshest produce available, while at the same time you are supporting small local farmers. You can find produce that is too delicate to ship, heirloom varieties of produce, and learn something new, too. Cherish the community and it will thrive!
Have fun browsing! I like to make a slow loop around the market, making note of stands of special interest, before I begin buying. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't buy a fresh-baked cookie or some raspberries to munch on as I stroll around!
Cash is the easiest currency. However, did you know that many farmers markets in the United States participate in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Farmers Market Nutrition Program? If your family qualifies, you can receive coupons good at farmer's markets that help supplement your meals. And local farmers benefit too. That's definitely a win-win situation.
Although some farmers market vendors have bags and boxes, it's easiest if you bring your own reusable bags with handles. You are contributing to the most basic recycling and environmental causes by using cloth and string bags, besides buying locally grown produce.
Make sure to ask questions of the vendors when you see unfamiliar produce. Vendors and farmers love to share their knowledge and can even give you recipes and cooking tips.
Wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Most farmers markets are open rain or shine, so be prepared with sunscreen and umbrellas, and watch the weather! If you take your children, make sure you have supplies, a stroller, and drinks for them. Involve them in the process too, and they will become more interested in fresh produce and meal preparation.
Make sure to have coolers with ice packs in your car, or take the produce straight home to keep it fresh and at its peak.
Don't be afraid to try something new. Have fun! You'll probably discover a new favorite fruit, vegetable, plant, flower, bread or cheese that will make your summer even richer and sweeter.
Here are a few tips for
handling fresh produce
Opt for Local and Seasonal
If possible, select 
those fruits and vegetables that are grown locally and in season. Shorter transport routes and storage durations often mean fewer pesticides and herbicides were used during cultivation.
Practice Smart Shopping
Don’t overdo it when shopping for fresh produce — buy only what you’re sure to use within a few days to avoid spoiling.
Keep Produce Cool
The FDA recommends that certain perishable fruits such as berries, lettuce, herbs and mushrooms can be best maintained by storing in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40° or below.
Be Prepared
Before handling fresh produce, wash your hands — as well as all utensils and cutting surfaces — with warm, soapy water. Avoid cross-contamination with raw meat during grocery bagging, food storage and preparation.
Wash Thoroughly
Both the FDA and the USDA recommends washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly in cold, drinkable water before eating (purified water ensures the absence of any harmful pollutants that may be present in tap water).
When washing lettuce, cabbage and other leafy greens, always remove the outer leaves first.
Rinse berries and other more fragile fruits in a colander.
Even produce with outer rinds or peels (like melons) need to be washed well, as contaminants on the outer skin may be transferred to the edible parts during peeling or cutting.
Root vegetables and others with thicker skin may be washed with a vegetable brush to remove potential bacteria.
