Need-to-Know Farmers' Market Tips

Whether you’re new to the farmers’ market scene or you’ve been shopping locally for years, it’s always good to consider suggestions that may help improve your shopping experience. Ready to step up your game at the farmer’s market this weekend? Try these tips from Catawba County Public Health’s Farmers’ Market Manager, Tracey Paul:

1. Know your Seasons. Buying in season means you are picking the freshest, best tasting produce obtainable. Not to mention it’s also cheaper and healthier for you. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has provided a guide for finding out what’s in season where you live.

2. Shop early or shop late. Shopping early allows you the best pick of goods the popular ones usually sell quickly. For the best deals shop late. Some market vendors may offer a discounted price just before closing rather than repacking and taking unsold produce back home.

   Look before you buy. Many vendors may have the same or similar items, but the prices can vary considerably. Ask if the items are locally or vendor grown if they are not advertised as such. You will get the best choices available if you look at everything first before buying.

3. Bring your own bags. The bags provided by vendors tend to be thin

   
   

   and flimsy, surely to break from the pressure of any major produce purchase. Make sure your purchases make it from “farm-to- [your] table” by bringing your own sturdy canvas or nylon bags.

4. Ask questions. If you are not sure what something is or how to prepare it, just ask! Most vendors are more than happy to give you suggestions or advice on how to prepare or eat their produce. Some may have recipes available.

5. Bring cash—bills and change. Some markets may not accept credit cards. Inquire whether food vouchers or stamps are acceptable for payment. Farmers’ markets are more than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers. They preserve farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to fresh nutritious food, promote sustainability and like CVMC they work to improve the health of the community.

In celebration of National Farmers’ Market Week August 2-8, we at CVMC encourage you to support your local farmers and take advantage of the healthy foods they offer by visiting your nearest farmers’ market. If you need help getting started, here is a list of markets near you. Don’t miss out on these markets by following us on Facebook during National Farmers’ Market Week. We’ll be posting daily reminders for the date/time of each market.

Catawba County Public Health’s Farmers’ MarketWhen: Thursdays from 11am – 2 pmWhere: Catawba County Public Health, Behind Catawba Valley Medical Center, 3070 11th Ave Dr SE, Hickory

Hickory Farmers MarketWhen: Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm and Saturdays from 8am – 1pmWhere: Downtown Hickory Under The Sails

Conover Farmers MarketWhen: Saturdays from 8am – 12pmWhere: Conover Post Office parking lot. 109 1st St. E. Conover, NC 28613

Center United Methodist Church MarketWhen: Wednesdays from 2pm – 5:30pmWhere: 4945 Sherrills Ford Rd. Catawba, NC 28609

Caldwell County Farmers MarketWhen: Saturdays from 7am – 1pm,Where: Caldwell County Public Library parking lot.120 Hospital Ave. NE Lenoir, NC 28645

Sawmills Farmers MarketWhen: Tuesdays from 3pm – 6:30pmWhere: Across from the Sawnills Fire Department off of US Hwy 321A Sawmills, NC

The Claremont Tailgate MarketWhen: Fridays from 3pm – 7pmWhere: Claremont City Hall parking lot.

Lenoir Downtown Farmers MarketWhen: Wednesday-Friday, 10am – 6pm & Saturdays from 10am – 4pmWhere: 904 West Ave Lenoir, NC 28645

Hildebran Farmers MarketWhen: Tuesdays from 8am – 1pmWhere: Hildebran Town Hall Albert L. Parkhurst Municipal Complex. 202 South Center Street Hildebran, NC 28637

Valdese Farmers MarketWhen: Wednesdays from 9am – 12pm & Fridays from 2pm – 6pmWhere: Across from the Fire Department Faet Street Valdese, NC 28690

Morganton Farmers MarketsThe Saturday Morganton Farmers MarketWhen: Saturdays from 8am – 12pmWhere: 300 Beach, behind Maria’s Italian Eatery and More Lace at Morganton StationThe Wednesday Mini-MarketWhen: Wednesdays from 2pm – 6pmWhere: 111 North Green Street, at the corner of Green Street and Avery Avenue.