CT Fresh: Your Guide to Summer Farmers' Markets!

Written By The Pink Tractor Crew

Okay—it might not SEEM like summer is just around the corner here in Connecticut (it’s giving winter…), but it is! That means summer farmers’ markets have started popping up left and right—and there’s nothing fresher than what you’ll find at a local farmers’ market. From juicy strawberries in June to crisp corn in August, these markets offer the best of the season while supporting local farmers, artisans, and communities. Whether you're a seasoned market regular or a first-time visitor, we’ll help you discover why shopping local this summer just makes sense and where you can go!

Why Choose Farmers’ Markets? 

  1. Get the freshest possible produce! That’s right. When you shop at your local farmers’ markets, you’ll be promised the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables. These in season foods carry higher levels of nutrients compared to out-of-season foods, which spend more time in storage and transport. You’ll want to make sure you have a shopping list when going to a farmers’ market, just as you would at your local grocery store. Review CT Grown crop calendar to check out what’s in season first! 

  2. Learn from CT Grown Farmers! Attending farmers’ markets will give you the opportunity to connect with your local farmers. You will have the ability to ask them any questions about the food for sale directly from the farmers who produced it. The farmers can help give tips on how to prepare certain produce that may be more unfamiliar to you. 

  3. Save money! While most people think that shopping at farmers’ markets is more expensive than going to the grocery store, that’s actually a common misconception. In fact, farmers’ market prices are comparable to retail locations because many farmers may lower their prices if their harvest is larger than expected or if transportation costs are lower due to the market being close to their farm. That’s not it though! Some other ways that you can save money by shopping at your local farmers’ market is:

  4. Selecting the exact amount you need: Sometimes you may only want/need a few cherry tomatoes, but at a grocery store you get sucked into buying an entire container. Then you find they rot or go to waste at home. At a farmers’ market, you can select smaller quantities of produce that you’ll easily use up!

  5. Longer lasting produce: The produce you purchase at farmers’ market has recently been harvested, which means it will last much longer when stored properly than produce that has been sitting in the grocery store. 

  6. Purchases in bulk: Farmers’ markets often offer the option to purchase in bulk for you to use in larger quantities, or freeze to use at a later date. 

  7. Cash purchases: While it may be more convenient to use credit cards or smartphone apps to purchase things, most farms try to stick to cash only. In doing this, they skip out on paying credit card fees, which in return, makes it cheaper for you!

  8. Ugly produce: You heard me right! Some products just don't look that great. They may be too small, too big, discolored, deformed, or even too ripe. In those cases, some farmers will discount the produce.

Where can I go to attend these Farmers’ Markets? 

The Pink Tractor Crew
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What’s in Season: Summer Edition!