A Guide to the Farmers Market

Presented by the Dairy and Nutrition Council

What is a Farmers Market?

• A public market at which farmers and often other vendors sell produce directly to consumers.

• Also called  greenmarket

What to bring…

• Bring your own sturdy bags. Plastic bags may break from heavy produce.

• Bring cash: small bills and coins. Credit cards are often not accepted.

Do your research!

• Know which foods are in season for your area! That way, you will get the freshest local products available.

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Know what is in season with the following links:

Harvest Calendar for Indiana Produce

Indiana Seasonal Crop Calendar by Area

What is available?• Farmers Markets normally

offer a variety of products:

▫ Fresh Produce▫ Herbs▫ Flowers▫ Baked Goods▫ Dairy Products▫ Meat▫ Jewelry▫ Handmade Crafts▫ And More!

Ask your farmer!

• For dairy products, ask to make sure the product has been pasteurized

• Find out where the food was harvested or prepared—the more local, the better

• Ask for an ingredient list for prepared or baked products for possible preservatives or allergens

Make it fun!• Seek interesting,

unfamiliar produce to learn about

• Have children help pick out their favorite fruits and vegetables

• Incorporate your fresh finds into your next meal

• Bring your four-legged friends—many outdoor markets are pet friendly

Fresh fruit and dairy!• Make a refreshing

smoothie with fresh fruit from the farmers market!

• Simply blend your choice of fruit and low fat milk or yogurt to make a delicious calcium-rich beverage.

• For a sweeter treat, try adding low fat ice cream or frozen yogurt!

References1. Farmers’ market. Dictionary.com. 2010. Available at:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/farmers%27+market. Accessed July 1, 2010.

2. Making the most out of Farmer’s Markets. Low Impact Living. July 9, 2009. Available at: http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2009/07/09/making-the-most-out-of-farmers-markets/. Accessed June 25, 2010.

3. Indiana Fruits and Vegetables Harvest Calendar. Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Available at: http://www.in.gov/apps/ISDA_FarmersMarket/seasonalChart.aspx. Accessed June 25, 2010.

4. Indiana Seasonal Crop Calendar. Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Available at: http://www.in.gov/dwd/2475.htm. Accessed July 1, 2010.