WHY YOU SHOULD BE FREQUENTING YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKET.
Knowing how to utilize local ingredients in your baking can make a world of difference in the overall quality.
While going to a grocery store for produce can be extremely convenient due to guaranteed availability, your local farmers market may hold secrets to elevating your pastries to the next level.
There is a reason why many chefs work with local farms when curating their menus; seasonal produce tastes divine, is full of flavor, and is fairly priced. Knowing the farmers who grow your food can also provide assurance that harmful pesticides often found in supermarkets are absent.
I love using a wide variety of fruits, herbs, and flowers in my baking and have noticed a substantial difference in the taste and appearance by sourcing locally. Cultivating relationships with local farmers has taught me valuable insights for optimizing visits to farmers markets. Below, you’ll find my tips to enhance your experience and guidance on what to purchase!
Eggs: I go through an obscene amount of eggs and have found organic and cage-free options in grocery stores to be expensive. Fortunately, farmers markets offer these in bulk at reasonable prices, ensuring hens are raised ethically. I recommend getting to know the egg vendor to inquire about their farming practices, antibiotic use, egg sanitation methods, and farm location.
Flowers: Using flowers as garnishes enhances any dish. Store-bought flowers are often sprayed with pesticides, making many of them non-edible. Farmers markets offer a more convenient and cost-effective way to ensure flowers meet edible stands. Stick to seasonal varieties like chamomile, roses, hibiscus, and lavender, which are perfect for decorating.
Berries: The stands selling berries are always my first stop, as the brightness and sweetness from these natural delicacies is unparalleled. While seasonal, I suggest buying in bulk and freezing to maintain freshness.
Cheese: Fresh cheese is essential for recipes like cheese tarts or Italian almond ricotta cake. Farmers markets offer a variety of delicate cheeses, often less processed than supermarket options. Sampling different cheeses and selecting unique flavors adds depth to baking.
Milk: Similar to my approach with eggs, I prioritize ethically sources milk with minimal pesticides and processing. Farmers market vendors provide transparency on farming and sustainable practices. Organic non-dairy milk is also a great purchase, such as almond, coconut, and oat.
Nuts: Hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios are pantry staples for me. By finding a stall that offers organic nuts at reasonable prices, I have been able to keep costs down while enjoying these natural delights with minimal processing.
Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener know for its healing properties and delectable taste. Honey varies in flavor based on local pollen, and farmers markets can provide you with unique taste profiles making your dishes standout. I suggest talking to the vendor to learn more about the specific bees in your area!
