Farmer’s markets offer an opportunity to bring the best of the farm to your kitchen table, while also supporting the local economy. 

Buying directly from local farmers at these markets offers a significant health benefit, as well.  In many cases, the produce is typically recently harvested, offering a higher nutritional content than what you would find on grocery store shelves. (Grocery store produce is often several days old by the time it arrives at the store.)  

In the lake area, we are fortunate to have several local markets to choose from. The Eatonton market is held at Harmony Crossing every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The Madison market is held at Farmview every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Athens market is held on Wednesdays at Creature Comforts Brewery from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and also at Bishop Park on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

If you’re planning a trip to any of these markets, it pays to plan ahead.  The following tips will help you make the most of your visit:

1. Visit early for selection, late for price. At the farmer’s market, the early bird gets the worm, or at least the best selection. But if you can’t make it first thing, consider arriving just before close, when you might be able to snag some better deals.
2. Take your time. It’s tempting to begin purchasing items as soon as you arrive, but it’s worth slowing down – especially if you’re at a larger market.   Grab a cup of coffee and take a lap to survey your options and determine the best prices before you break out your wallet.
3. Talk with the farmers.  Don’t hesitate to ask “what is this vegetable?” or “how would I use it?”  Vendors are usually more than willing to share how the food is grown and provide some ideas on how to prepare it if you just ask. Keep in mind that “local” may not mean “organic,” so always be sure to ask before buying if that is important to you.
4. Go with a budget, not a list. Offerings at farmer’s markets can change from week to week in terms of quality and variety. Keep an open mind in order to purchase the freshest and best options.
5. Think beyond produce. At many markets, you’ll find a lot more than just fruits and vegetables. Eggs, sustainably-raised meats, natural beauty products, locally-sourced honey and flowers are other options usually available.
6. Take your own bags. This makes it easier to carry your purchases and saves a little more profit for the farmer.
7. Bring cash. While some farmers may be able to process your credit card, cash is ultimately king. Bring plenty of small bills to make it easy for vendors to provide change on smaller purchases.

 

Below are two of my favorite recipes that feature summer produce, easily sourced from your local farmer’s market. Enjoy!

 

Tomato and Orange Salad

Courtesy of Paleo Comfort Foods

 

2 pints grape, cherry or sungold tomatoes, halved crosswise

1 small shallot, minced

Zest of 1 orange

2 tsp fresh-squeezed orange juice

1/3 cup olive oil

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bag arugula, washed

 

Place all tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add shallots and orange zest. Using a potato masher, mash tomatoes slightly so they release their juices. Stir in orange juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, salt and pepper. Serve on top of arugula. 

 

Variation: You can either serve the tomato orange mixture on top of arugula without any real mixing, or you can toss the arugula with some of the juices from the tomato/olive oil/ vinegar mixture, then top with the tomatoes.

 

Oven-Roasted Okra

Courtesy of Paleo Comfort Foods

 

No slimy okra here – oven-roasting this Southern staple is a total game changer! When shopping for good okra, take your thumb and pop the small tip off the okra. If it pops off, the okra is good. If it bends or doesn’t snap, then you know it is a bad one.

 

1 pound okra (whole), washed

¼ cup olive oil

2 Tbsp cumin

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss okra in olive oil to coat and place onto a sheet pan in a single layer. Combine all dry spices and sprinkle over okra, mixing well. Bake for 5-7 minutes and turn over onto the other side. Place okra back in the oven for another 3-5 minutes or until pods are softened. 

 

Pathways to Healing specializes in holistic chiropractic care. Dr. Alyssa Musgrove draws on a variety of techniques, including chiropractic, kinesiology, nutrition, food allergy testing and lifestyle counseling to assist clients in achieving optimal health and wellness in one setting. In addition, the practice is committed to being a valuable source of information so that people can learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and prevent future illness. Pathways to Healing is located at 1022 Founders Row, Lake Oconee Village, Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-454-2040.