Emory Report
May 4, 2009
Volume 61, Number 30

Emory Farmers
Market special events

May 19: Berry Bash
A celebration of Georgia berries on May 19 from 2-6 p.m. On sale are strawberry shortcakes made by H&F Bakery and strawberries and blueberries from Miles Berry Farm in Baxley, Ga. Blueberry cobbler will be served inside Cox Dining. Proceeds will benefit the Emory Farmers Market.

Aug. 25: Tomato Time
A celebration of a classic summer favorite, Aug. 25, 2-6 p.m. will feature chef and cookbook author Virginia Willis demonstrating how to use delectable summer tomatoes in a variety of ways. The chef demo will be at 2-4 p.m. on the Cox Hall Bridge.

    

Emory Report homepage  

May 4, 2009
Sample this: Farmers market tips

By Kelly Gray

Cropping up around the city are local farmers markets, offering direct access to locally grown, farm-fresh produce and the opportunity for farmers to develop personal relationships with their customers.

Emory’s weekly farmers market, held on Tuesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. on the Cox Hall Bridge, offers locally grown produce, cheeses, salsas, pastries and many other enjoyable delicacies. Free parking is available in the Fishburne and Peavine decks after 4:30 p.m.

The fruits, vegetables and other wares found at these markets are locally grown and have been picked and packed at the peak of perfection, often within hours before making it to the market. On average, food travels 1,500 miles before it reaches your table. By buying food locally, you are helping to maintain farmland and green space in your community.

Getting around your local farmers market may seem daunting. With the following tips, your next trip to the open-air market will be a breeze.

Know what’s in season
If you know what to expect when you get there, making decisions at each booth is much easier. Learn what grows in this area and when, and talk to the growers about what will be coming to market in upcoming weeks.

Shop early
Get a jump on the competition by arriving as the market opens for the best selection. Since farmers plan to sell out by the end of the day, the early bird always gets the worm.

Shop late
Some of the best deals are made just before closing time because farmers don’t want to take their rations back home. Just remember that the selection will be limited at this time and some vendors may be sold out.

Come prepared
Bring your own reusable bags to carry purchases home — plastic, paper or canvas all work well. If you are not going directly home from the farmers market, pack an ice chest or cooler in your vehicle to keep everything fresh. Most importantly, don’t forget to bring small bills and plenty of change as most vendors work on a cash or check basis.

Ask questions
Not sure when something was picked or packed? It’s better to ask than to assume. Know that often times the prettiest peach or apple may not be the tastiest. Also, if anything is bruised or wilted, don’t buy it.

Get more than green goods
Think farmers markets are just for fruits and veggies? Think again. At most farmers markets, you will find more fodder to tantalize your taste buds, like warm baked breads, fair trade beverages and other treats. Many markets also offer specialty foods like gourmet cheeses as well as choice meat, like grass-fed beef.

Doing your weekly grocery shopping at a farmers market means that you will get the best, freshest produce that is in season, while supporting local farmers at the same time. Dollar for dollar, shopping at your local farmers market is one of the best investments you can make for you, your family and your community.