With the start of summer, farmers’ markets are in full swing in most communities. These open-air food bazaars can be a great source of fresh food, innovative cooking ideas or just a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your al fresco shopping experience.

What’s it all about?
Farmers’ markets are really the oldest form of human commerce. People got together to trade the fruits of their harvest, buying directly from the source. It was a local event, because most food could not be transported very far without spoiling. As societies grew and became more specialized, it became more economical for farmers to sell their produce to distributors who then sold them to consumers. This led to the modern supermarket. But there has always been the small corner fruit stand where you could still buy produce directly from the person who grew it.

Over the past 30 years, the concept of the grower selling directly to the consumer has gained popularity. While the major supermarket chains are in no danger of going out of business, these local weekly markets have become an important venue for consumers to purchase high quality, fresh food and for farmers to increase their earnings by eliminating the middleman distributor.

Have a plan
Whether you are a regular shopper or attending your first market, it is best to have a shopping list before you go. Many farmers’ markets can have an overwhelming variety of fresh produce to choose from. My wife and I have walked through some markets, purchasing a few of everything that caught our eye and ended up with enough fruits and vegetables to feed a family of twelve for two weeks.

It is easy to see all that produce and think of the wonderful meals you can prepare. Just remember that it is all fresh food, and will have to be cooked and eaten within about 2-5 days. So, start with a rough sketch of your week’s menu and fill in the gaps. When you have enough food for the week, stop buying. Then you can play, trying new things and getting ideas for future trips.

Not all farmers are created equal
Just because something is sold at a farmers’ market does not mean that it is organic, locally grown or any better for you than what you can get at the supermarket. The difference is that the person selling it to you is supposes to be knowledgeable about the product. So, be sure to ask questions. Where was it grown? Is it certified organic? Did the person selling it actually grow it?

In California, it is common for many farmers from the agricultural Central Valley to truck their produce to cities on the coast to sell at the local markets. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The food is still probably getting to these smaller venues more quickly than through the large distribution centers to the major chains.

Fresh means fresh
Most food in the supermarket is picked before it ripens so it will not spoil before you can buy it. One of the biggest appeals of buying produce at farmers’ markets is the opportunity to get food that has been picked after it has ripened. Ripened food has more flavor and is usually more nutritious. However, “ripe” means “ready to eat now.” While you can bring supermarket produce home and keep it in the refrigerator for one to two weeks, most of the food you buy at a farmers’ market will have to be used within three days. So, enjoy that full flavor, but only buy what you can use in a few days and then be sure to use it.

Look for bargains
Sometimes, the major grocery stores really do have the best prices. They buy in bulk and have tremendous bargaining power with the farmers (that’s why the farmers like selling directly to you at these markets). Just like anything else, you have to comparison shop. Take some time to check the prices at your favorite store before you go to the farmer’s market. Then you can decide which has the better quality and price.

Beauty is more than skin deep
Most grocery stores and supermarkets have very specific requirements on the appearance of the produce they will sell. Peaches have to fall within a certain range of sizes and can have no blemishes. Corn cannot have any discolored kernels. Many farmers are left with perfectly consumable, healthy “ugly” produce that they cannot sell to distributors. These ugly ducklings will often show up at local farmers’ markets. Start getting used to seeing fruit with weird bumps, vegetables with some discoloration. Learn what indicates spoiled or bad food and what is merely cosmetic.

Learn new things
You will see many unusual varieties of fruits and vegetables, especially if there is a large ethnic presence at the markets. If you see something you don’t recognize, ask what it is and how it is used. Most of the sellers are the actual growers and they are proud of their crops. They will love to talk about them. You may find a new recipe or a new favorite food.

Have fun and touch things
Farmers’ markets are a great opportunity to enjoy nice weather, get a little exercise and try new things. Many vendors at farmers’ markets will offer free samples. Even those that don’t have samples out may give you a taste if you ask. Just don’t abuse their courtesy. Remember, they are selling the result of their own hard work.

Farmers’ markets are also fantastic venues for artisan foods. Many markets have people selling homemade breads, marinades, jams, preserves, local honey, relishes and other creations. Even if you do not want to spend your money on these packaged goodies, you can get some great ideas from what others are making and selling.