It Doesn't Get Any Fresher

The old-fashioned farmers’ market is making a vigorous comeback. Just a few decades ago, there were as few as 300 markets struggling to survive in the United States. Now there are many local markets in every state of the union.

The famous markets—like Seattle’s Pike Place Market, the Greenmarket in New York’s Union Square Park, and the Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles—have all seen a resurgence, while markets are thriving in thousands of places as diverse as Hamilton, Montana; Emmaus, Pennsylvania; and Gadsden, Alabama.

If you live in a town with a farmers’ market, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. And if you’re visiting a city with a market, add it to your itinerary.

Local Abundance
What’s the attraction? There’s the sheer beauty of the fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats on display.  A farm stand piled high with fresh tomatoes has much more immediacy and impact than the produce aisle at your supermarket. There’s also the chance to talk to the people who grew, caught, or in some way produced the food you’re about to eat, to learn about their lives and to share their enthusiasm.

And, of course, there’s the opportunity to reawaken your taste buds with food that’s almost startling it’s so fresh and to try varieties you’ll never see on the supermarket shelf. Did you know that there are 2,500 types of apples grown in the United States? You’ve probably tasted just a dozen or so.

A Sustainable Choice
Shopping at a farmers’ market also gives you a chance to support the environment. According to the WorldWatch Institute, food travels an average of 1,500 to 2,000 miles on its way to your store. The food on display at most farmers’ markets travels less than 200 miles. In a world concerned about global warming, encouraging local production can make a difference.

There's No Better People Watching
Finally, there’s the sheer spectacle of the experience. Depending on the size of the market, there could be hundreds if not thousands of shoppers, strolling from stand to stand and involved in the timeless human activity of selecting their dinner. If you’re a people watcher or a student of human nature, there’s no better—or tastier—vantage point than a farmers’ market.