Farmers markets have grown in popularity over the last decade. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of total farmers markets has quadrupled since the early ’90s.
This rise in popularity has been embraced by dietitians, nutritionists and physicians who want to connect their patients with better-quality food. But what exactly is it about farmers markets (and the foods they sell) that make them good for you?
Learn why you should consider shopping at your local farmer’s market this season.
Support a Plant-Based Diet
Eating a plant-based diet is one of the best ways to improve your health and maintain it over time. Numerous studies have shown that consuming a balanced, plant-based diet can reduce inflammation and even increase the length of life. It can even help with cancer prevention.Â
Shopping at farmers markets puts fresher (and tastier) produce right at your fingertips. The vivid colors in produce are a reflection of the nutrients they contain, including antioxidants, which fight cancer-causing free radicals. They can also help you aim to add at least one fruit or vegetable to every meal.
Farm-Fresh Produce
Grocery store fruits and vegetables are often several days old before they reach the produce aisle. Sometimes supermarket produce is even altered in some way to make it look more appealing. For example, many supermarkets put a coat of wax on their apples to make them look shiny.
Farmers market produce is just the opposite. In most cases, the owner of the stand picked your produce that same morning. It’s as fresh as you can get – unless you grow it yourself. When you eat fresh produce, you get more of the beneficial vitamins and minerals that nourish your body. You also get more flavonoids, meaning the food will taste better.
Wide Selection of Foods
If you’re bored with your meals, then the farmers market is for you. It’s a great place to find new fruits and vegetables to cook with, eat, and enjoy. Farmers markets also have more to offer than just fruits and vegetables. It’s a whole variety of food, including bread, dairy products, seeds, jams, sauces, and some baked goods.
Overwhelmed by the selection? Go in with a plan. Planning your meals and having a shopping list of your ingredients is a lost art. Without a plan, you’ll be tempted to buy things you don’t need, including less healthy options.
Affordability
Farmers markets are often cheaper than supermarkets, partially because you don’t have to pay for shipping costs. Unlike supermarkets, where you need to pay to sample food, many vendors at farmers markets offer free samples.
If you want to taste something, the farmer will often oblige or even give you a recipe. It’s much easier to try new foods and combinations. Most markets in Maryland accept credit and debit cards, as well as assistance programs like WIC, SFMNP, and SNAP cards.
Sense of Connection
Farmers markets are more than just a place to purchase fresh, delicious produce. You get face-to-face interaction with the person who grew or made your food, increasing that sense of connection.
They are also a great community gathering spot and a fun place to visit with loved ones, friends, or children. You can even get the kids involved by letting them pick new foods to try, and then help them prepare a meal.
Find a Farmers Market Near You
The USDA has a searchable database of farmers markets in your area. You’ll find locations of farmers’ markets near you, hours of operation and the types of products sold.
The Maryland Department of Tourism has a great list of local farmers markets convenient for those who live in the DMV area.
More to Read
- How You Can Improve Community Health
- Healthy Eating on a Budget
- Heart-Healthy Shopping
- How to Eat a Plant-Based Diet
- Plant-Based Protein Can Meet Your Nutritional Needs
- Which Diet Plan Is Right for You? Here’s How to Narrow Your Options
Medically reviewed by Jessika Rose, RD, LDN, Bariatric Dietitian at UM Upper Chesapeake Bariatrics Program.
