Best Ways to Shop the Farmers Market

Nothing beats summer produce! Shopping outside at a market where you get to meet the local farmers makes the experience even better. Summer fruits and vegetables have a natural companion in wheat germ: Use it on your summer salads, in your basil pesto and as part of the crumb topping on a peach or blueberry crisp.

Not sure if you have a farmers market in your area? LocalHarvest offers a list of farmers markets, local farms and more throughout the country.

To get the most out of the experience, follow these tips:

• Do your homework first. Look online to see what’s in season at the market so you can plan your meals and organize your recipes. Take a look at the Kretschmer Wheat Germ website for some great seasonal recipe ideas. Adding wheat germ to your dishes will boost the flavor and nutrients.

• BYO bags. It’s eco-friendly, and sometimes the farmers don’t have bags to give you.

• Shop early. Try to get to the market early before everything has been picked over and sitting in the sun too long.

• Scope out the situation. Walk the whole market first to see what everyone is offering and check out prices. Don’t be afraid to talk to the farmers and ask them how they grow their vegetables, what type of pesticide they use and what else they will have available over the next few months.

• Don’t go crazy. Try to buy only what you’re going to use. If you end up not having enough produce one week, stock up a bit more the following week.

• Get home and get busy. Prep your fruit and vegetables as soon as you get home so the produce is easy to use in a recipe or can be quickly grabbed for a snack or treat.

July is usually a great time for strawberries and rhubarb. It’s delicious to cook down the rhubarb with a bit of sugar, then add the strawberries. While it’s cooling, whip some fresh cream and serve it in parfait glasses with a sprinkle of wheat germ on top! Or try this Apple, Rhubarb and Berry Crisp.

What new recipes have you created with your farmers market produce?