7 Reasons To Shop Farmers Markets

Reasons To Shop Farmers Markets

Edenton market is open year-round From Staff, Submitted Reports

The Downtown Waterfront Market in Mariner’s Wharf in Elizabeth City is open May through October on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

File photo/The Daily Advance

A farmers market is likely coming to a field or open decor. parking lot near you — if there isn’t already one operating 1. Enjoy fresh, seasonal foods. Foods at farmers markets nearby. The United States Department of Agriculture says tend to be limited to in-season offerings. Some nutritionists that, between the years of 2008 and 2013, the number of suggest eating seasonally available foods is better for your farmers’ markets doubled across the country. body, because humans ate seasonal produce for thousands

Farmers markets will continue to thrive and expand of years before shipping and refrigeration changed how as people increasingly realize the benefits of supporting people received the majority of their foods. In addition, local food providers. Buyers who are not yet familiar with many people feel that fresh, seasonal foods taste better than farmer’s markets can examine the following seven reasons the alternatives. to break the ice.

Here is northeastern North Carolina, you can find 2. Discover new foods. There’s always something new at fruit and vegetable stands, as well as farmers markets in a farmers market, and this can entice shoppers to expand Elizabeth City and Edenton. their flavor palates. Explore interesting, locally grown

Edenton Farmers Market is the only one in the region items. Even children may fall in love with colorful fruits or that is open year round, as it offers both outdoor and indoor vegetables and their refreshing tastes. options. Located on North Broad Street, beside the state Historic Sites Visitor’s Center, the outdoor/indoor market 3. Embrace organic and non-GMO offerings. Many is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. It also is open farmers markets offer foods that are organically grown and Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m., but only from April to November. are produced without GMOs. Farmers’ market retailers also

The Downtown Waterfront Market is at Mariner’s Wharf tend to give firsthand accounts of where their foods come Park in Elizabeth City. The open-air market is open May from and how they are grown or raised. through October on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Besides food, the farmers market can be a good place to 4. Indulge in nutritious foods. The vivid colors and smells pick up fresh cut flowers, handmade natural soaps or home emanating from farmers markets indicate just how fresh 14 Albemarle Magazine Fall 2020

and nutritious the offerings tend to be. Farmers who peddle their wares at farmers’ markets adhere to careful farming methods to ensure their foods are as nutritious as possible.

5. Learn secrets and recipes. In addition to fresh produce, farmers markets may offer baked and other prepared goods. Shopkeepers often mingle with their customers, offering trade secrets and recipe ideas. Additionally, local farm families supported by farmers markets generally offer supreme customer service to keep shoppers coming back week after week.

6. Turn the trip into a social excursion. A farmers market can be an exciting and flavorful social gathering place for families and groups of friends, as well as a great place to meet other members of the community. Sometimes farmers also mingle with local artisans, so the market can be a onestop-shopping locale for locally produced food and art.

7. Save money. Farmers’ markets may sell organic produce at a cost comparable or even lower than other retailers. That’s because local farmers don’t have to transport their items as far as retailers whose foods were shipped from far away places.

Any time of the year is perfect for grabbing a tote bag and browsing the wares at a nearby farmers’ market, where shoppers are bound to find something fresh, unique and delicious.

Farmers Markets are a good way to expand your food knowledge and support local small business owners.

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