CT Grown Farmers’ Markets!
The air is getting warmer, the flowers are in bloom, and vendor’s will begin to pop up their tents throughout Connecticut farmers’ markets in the weeks ahead! While some farmers’ markets in Connecticut are open year round for indoor winter markets, many will start back up in early spring and will all be in full swing come mid-summer.
Why Choose Farmers’ Markets?
There are many advantages to shopping at farmers’ markets. Not only do you support your local farms, but you also get the freshest produce, save money, have fun, and can learn from CT Grown farmers first hand!
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!
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.
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 are:
Selecting the exact amount you need: Sometimes you may only want/need a few products. Take for example, cherry tomatoes - maybe you only need a handful, 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!
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.
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.
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!
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 leaving it cheaper for you.
Fun, Fun, Fun!
Farmers’ markets aren’t just good for saving money & getting the freshest produce, but they are also SO fun! There are many larger farmers’ markets in Connecticut that offer live music and other local entertainment like face painting, food trucks, and balloon making. They are the perfect outing for a family with kids or dogs!
So, next time you think about heading to the grocery store - try a CT local farmers’ market instead. Click here to search for a local farmers’ market near you in the upcoming weeks ahead. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
