Sunday Funday

Sunday - the day of rest... But seriously, there is only so much resting that one can do in 24 hours. So, today I decided that I was going to take my Sunday and make it a day of not rest. (Don't get me wrong, I did squeeze in a nap after my adventure in downtown Nashville!) After looking in my very sad and pathetic refrigerator, I came to the conclusion that my outing of the day would be to the grocery store, but when a friend suggested heading down to the Nashville Farmers' Market, this farm girl couldn't say no!

Not familiar with a Farmers' Market? Don't worry, I will tell you all the "ins" and "outs" of getting all the best deals!

First of all, a Farmers' Market is place where farmers and locals with a green thumb come and sell their goods directly to the public. This cuts out the middle man, known as your local grocery store, and most of the time cuts out the ridiculous prices as well! Shopping at farmers' markets is a great way to support local businesses and get the freshest, ripest produce. What more could you ask for?

I have come up with a few tips to help you get the most out of your trip to the farmers market. So, here we go:

Tip #1) Make a list! You should always make a list of what you need BEFORE you go to the market. If not, you might get overwhelmed and think that you need one of everything! (Especially if you are a farmers' market virgin) This will help you be more efficient with your time.

Tip #2) Walk the entire farmers' market before you buy anything! This is probably the most important tip. Seeing as the produce isn't sorted by type, but by vender instead, it is very important to see what all the sellers are offering before you commit to buying anything. You are at a farmers' market for a reason - you might as well get the biggest bang for your buck!

Tip #3) Be educated. Do some research. See what's in season for your area. If you don't already know, look up how to tell when fruits and veggies are ripe and ready to eat. You don't want to take home 4 peaches that are already completely ripe because by the time you get to the last two they might not be good anymore. (And wouldn't that just be awful!)

Tip #4) As always, HAVE FUN! The farmers' market is an experience, not just a grocery store. Ask the venders questions. I'm sure they would love to tell you all about how their Great Grandma used to grow peaches and make peach pie for every summer family reunion. If something catches your eye, don't hesitate to ask the seller if you can try it. They want you to love their product so that you buy more and more and MORE of it! If there is one great thing about the farmers market, it's that there are free samples... of everything!

Tip #5) Don't forget to clean all your yummy purchases! This tip is also very important. Most of the produce at the farmers' market is straight from the garden. You want to make sure that you get all the dirt off before you go biting into that amazing Georgia Peach you just bought!

Now that you have been on a picture tour of my time at the Nashville Farmers' Market, I will conclude with one last piece of evidence that farmers' markets are the way to shop when it comes to fresh fruits and veggies. 

A basket of strawberries, 4 peaches, a pint of blackberries, one cucumber, one green pepper and 3 tomatoes for a grand total of $12. And everything is fresh! (like really fresh.. like "straight form the garden" fresh) Next Sunday when you are thinking about just calling it a day at 11 AM to lay in bed and be lazy, Google "nearest farmers' market" and get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors!

-ck.