Shopping for farm fresh produce, flowers and other goods is a great way to spend your time and money. Farmers from throughout Northern California come to Sacramento farmer’s markets to sell high quality foods and goods at reasonable prices.
Sacramento farmer's markets are usually found at downtown parks or neighborhood shopping malls.
Before heading out to a market, here are some tips to consider.
Sacramento farmer's markets are usually found at downtown parks or neighborhood shopping malls.
Before heading out to a market, here are some tips to consider.
- Dress accordingly. Since these markets are outdoors, such as parks and shopping mall parking lots, make sure to dress according to the weather. Although Sacramento weather is normally agreeable, slather on the sunscreen and don sunglasses during the summers and bring a sweater in the winter. Whatever the season, make sure to put on some comfortable shoes.
- Bring shopping bags. It’s easier to carry one large bag than carry a bunch of smaller plastic bags. Just make sure not to squish your goods. Keep ripe produce, delicate and baked goods, and flowers toward the top of the bag. This tip may be very useful when shopping in the downtown markets. Sometimes you may have to park a few blocks away from the market and you don't want to travel back and forth to put away your bags.
- Bring carts and strollers. Hey moms and dads, don’t leave that stroller in the car. Bring it with you. Most strollers have a storage basket that is ideal for toting your farmer’s market booty. No baby? No problem. Bring a folding cart. Just make sure to line it with newspaper or cardboard so your fruits and vegetables won’t fall through the holes.
- Bring small bills and change. Make life easier for yourself and the farmer by paying in small bills and change. Each farmer acts as its own cashier and may not have the time to run to the bank, if there is one around, to get change.
- Get a lay of the land once you arrive. Take a stroll throughout the whole market so you can see who is selling what. Most farmers within in the same market will have similar prices for similar goods. You’ll want to watch out for unique items. One or more booths may sell tomatoes, but one farmer may offer heirloom varieties. I found a few farmers at the Roosevelt Park selling honeydew melons, but only a couple sold a juicy cantaloupe-honeydew hybrid.
- Ask the farmer questions. If you have a question about the ripeness of your peach or you're just curious about the differences between a Bing and Rainier cherry, don’t hesitate to ask the farmer. One friendly berry farmer at the Downtown Plaza helped me choose between her different blackberry varieties. She allowed me taste each variety and talked to me about how they are grown.
SHARE
