With Summer here in full force, I thought I would share the schedule for some of our Portland Area Farmer’s Markets as well as some helpful tips to make it a successful trip!
10 of My Favorite Tips:
Turn this into a weekly tradition. This will cut back on eating out, help with meal prep, and support our local farmers.
Bring a friend! It’s always fun to go to the market with a friend or family member. It’s the perfect day date!
Check the forecast. A little rain won’t hurt — but a big storm may cancel the show. Make sure the weather hasn’t created any delays, and know if you should pack your umbrella for a nice Spring shower.
Get there early. I know, it’s the weekend and the last thing you want to do is get up early. But, most markets open around 9am, and like they say, the early bird gets the worm.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag or Basket). If you live in Portland, its likely you already own a bunch of reusable bags. Bringing a couple will prevent you from having to carry around several small bags from the vendors.
Take Small Bills and a Credit Card. Cash is key at the farmers’ market, especially smaller bills. But with our current environment, more vendors will be accepting credit cards for payment. Best to be prepared for either!
Ask Questions! One of my favorite things about farmers’ markets is getting to know their vendors. Get to know their process and how they fell in love with what they do.
Treat Yourself. There’s nothing better than fresh flowers to brighten up your home. Or check out the local honey, fresh jams, banana breads, and sprigs of blooms. They may be a bit pricey, but how decadent, and what a special treat for a weekend morning.
Wash Well! When you get home, make sure to thoroughly wash the items you purchased. The produce you are getting is the freshest possible, meaning it was probably picked within the past few days. This means it may be home to a little bit more dirt or bugs that your grocery store produce — but no biggie, it’s worth it!
Store Appropriately. Because most of these fruits and veggies are organic, they won’t be pumped with chemicals to prolong their freshness. Do some research about how to store each item to lengthen its shelf-life.
