Farmers’ Market Confidential

While summer might mean packed beaches and boardwalks here on Delmarva, it also means the return of our many seasonal farmers’ markets. With a few notable year-round exceptions, the vast majority of markets on the Shore open in May or shortly thereafter. Growers, chefs, and families look forward to this annual reawakening. It inevitably brings piles of crisp carrot bunches, cartons of free-range eggs, blocks of local scrapple, and gallons of creamy milk. Whether you are looking for oysters, blueberries, honey, or jam, there is a smiling farmer ready to meet you beneath the sea of white tents. As we begin a new season, here are a few insider tips from a veteran farmers’ market vendor on how to make the most of this new season.

The early bird gets the arugula

There have been a multitude of farmers’ market guides circulating over the past decade. One of the most common suggestions is waiting to arrive until the very end of the market in the hope of finding some amazing bargain. The idea is that vendors will be desperate to unload leftover produce and will practically give it away for free. Unfortunately, this tactic is completely backwards. Simple logic would suggest that the best selection and freshest product are on the table at the ringing of the bell. If you wait until the bitter end, much of your shopping list will be sold-out. What you do find will be the leftovers that other customers did not want. Plus, there is no guarantee of some special deal. If your schedule does not allow you to arrive until the last half-hour, come when you can. Otherwise, come early.

Be a regular

Do not work under the false assumption that all customers are treated equally. Yes, vendors will enthusiastically welcome a new face. At the same time, farmers are business people, and smart entrepreneurs know that a return customer is at least 70% more likely to make a purchase than a stranger. Of course, you should expect to be treated with respect the very first time that you step beneath a tent. That said, a smart farmer will often go the extra mile for a regular. For example, a woman and her toddler come and buy a single eggplant from us every single week of the summer. Even though it’s only one fruit, she could easily buy it from another farmer, and I appreciate her loyalty. If the eggplant stock starts to dwindle before she arrives, I slip away a nice big one for her in case we sell out. Beyond little favors, you will simply have a more positive experience at market when you come to know the people behind the tables. In many cases, you will start to feel like you are visiting friends rather than businesses. That is one of the foundational principles of the farmers’ market in the first place: coming to know that sources of your food. So be a friendly, familiar face.

Follow the chefs

In the Delaware beach region, chefs from the area’s most popular restaurants often frequent local farmers’ markets. Sometimes the names of their produce sources will end up on menus. Other times, chefs will post photographs of their market bounty to social media feeds. If a chef is a regular at a particular tent, there is a very good reason why. Some markets will host chef demonstrations, and you can ask for recommendations directly. If you ever see a farmer invite a customer behind the table to check out back stock, you can be pretty sure that customer is a local chef. If you value quality, follow his or her shopping habits.

Be considerate

Summer can bring scorching temperatures, and the shade of a market tent can look appealing. Few farmers will begrudge you the space beneath their canopy, even if you walk away empty handed. With that in mind, please be selfaware. Do not block tables or make it difficult for customers to access goods. If you are standing in a line that stretches outside a tent, make sure that you are not creating a barrier in front of another seller. After all, this is their livelihood. Be considerate, and farmers will respond in kind.

Steamy cars and produce do not mix

Last but not least, remember that steamy cars and produce do not mix. Plan accordingly. Make the most of the summer market season by planning ahead, and you’ll come away with the best possible ingredients for your next meal!