Identifying Superior Produce At The Farmers Market, As Recommended By Culinary Experts

Shop like a culinary professional with these expert recommendations.

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Numerous farmers markets operate throughout the year; however, the warmer months present enticing produce and more favorable conditions for appreciating the offerings of these community centers. And no one understands the appeal of peak-season farmers markets more than ingredient-focused chefs. To optimize your experience for the 2025 season, we consulted several chefs nationwide regarding optimal arrival times and effective purchasing techniques.

Gather your funds and an ample number of bags, and let us proceed to the market.

Contemplate pre-ordering

Some merchants permit consumers to pre-order larger amounts of products for pickup, a practice that became prevalent at numerous markets during the pandemic. The most effective method to ascertain which ones are applicable is to consult merchants or examine their websites.

In addition to selecting your preferred product, it will afford you additional time to savor the experience, states Gaby Maeda, the head chef at Friends and Family in Oakland and the 2021 F&W Best New Chef. She has been a consistent patron of San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market at the Ferry Building for more than a decade.

She loves to buy at the market later in the morning because she pre-orders the necessary items for the restaurant.

“In the kitchen, every moment is crucial.” Maeda expresses a desire to achieve that equilibrium beyond it. This location is intended to revitalize you, not exhaust you.

A more measured approach can yield financial advantages as well. As Maeda shops for her necessities this week, she concurrently begins to formulate next week’s list inspired by her discoveries.

“Certainly, there will inevitably be seasonal offerings that one may forfeit by arriving later; however, when I visit the market, I prefer to inspect the product prior to making a purchase,” she states. “I am not eager to introduce a dish to the menu that appears hastily prepared.” I prefer to engage with it thoughtfully and purposefully.

2022 Food & Wine Best New Chef Rob Rubba, the chef-owner of Oyster Oyster in Washington, D.C., also places pre-orders for the restaurant. He favors visiting the market in the late morning for its vibrancy, particularly when accompanied by his children.

“I appreciate its energy,” he comments. I appreciate the farmers and booths being established, with individuals already engaging in purchasing and selecting items. There exists a sense of community while encountering acquaintances.

However, it is advantageous to be at the forefront

D’Andre Carter, chef and co-founder of Soul & Smoke in Chicago, favors early market shopping to secure the finest selection of produce.

“By noon, it operates at full capacity, making it challenging to access ingredients and engage in conversation due to the multitude of individuals attempting to complete their transactions,” he states.

Chef D’Andre Carter at the Evanston Farmers’ Market in Evanston, Illinois. Credit: Courtesy of D’Andre Carter

Carter observes that arriving early allows him to converse with the farmers before the activity intensifies. Soul & Smoke originated in farmers markets, he states, and he would stroll about after the booth was established, but before to the influx of customers.

“That is how I became acquainted with the farmers,” he states, “by inquiring as I walked: ‘Inform me about these peaches.’” Provide information regarding those apples. They consistently provide me with advance notice and advice, such as the fact that white strawberries will only be available for a few more weeks.

If you are eager to procure the season's initial slender asparagus stalks, you may surpass chefs, who typically prioritize uniformity and quantity in their purchases.

Conduct your research

Chefs, due to their profession, can readily substitute purple-top queen turnips for kohlrabi when the latter is unavailable. Conducting study on seasonal produce and its classifications, such as tubers, alliums, stone fruits, or cruciferous vegetables, may assist us when we are unable to procure all items on our list.

Carter states, "I conduct extensive research on culinary dishes and produce as well." If he intends to prepare an apple and celery root purée, he will consider what is currently in season that he could incorporate instead. It could be rutabaga, potatoes, or parsnips.

Rubba asserts that it is beneficial to cultivate a modicum of courage. Why adhere to the recipe-specified butternut squash when alternatives such as kogi nut or honey roasting are available? “The profile will be sufficiently analogous for you to relate to it.” It may possess a higher water content or this specimen's skin may be somewhat thicker upon peeling. Ultimately, you will attain your objectives, and the experience will be significantly more engaging.

In uncertain situations, it is always beneficial to inquire with a farmer or dealer regarding your question. You may discover your new preferred green or realize that green garlic roots are indeed delicious and resemble the flavor of a scallion chip when tempura-fried. “I would not have acquired that knowledge had I not expressed interest in the product, merely scrutinizing and handling those robust, luscious roots,” Maeda states.

What is Maeda's preferred inquiry at present? “What is the optimal method to prepare this ingredient that will preserve its integrity?”

Contrast, contrast, contrast

Maeda maximizes her market time to sample various products, predominantly consisting of leafy greens and fruits such as citrus, apples, and berries. Occasionally, she aims to sample as many varieties of mandarin oranges as possible.

“They originate from various regions of the state,” she states. “It is analogous to wines.” Each possesses distinct flavors or unique characteristics attributable to its specific terroir. It is enjoyable to contemplate it in that manner.

For things that are more challenging to taste at the market, such as sweet potatoes, Rubba prefers to purchase from several different farms. “If I require six items, I may purchase three from this farm and three from another for comparative analysis, provided I can keep them distinct in my bag,” he states. “It is evident, and it is immensely enjoyable to engage in this activity, particularly during this season when new growth emerges from the soil.”

Alternatively, take a more scholarly approach by purchasing various sorts of a single item, such as multicolored potatoes with distinct compositions (starchy, waxy, and creamy) or bitter greens (mizuna, endive, dandelion, and mustard). Observe the variation in the eating experience when all items are prepared uniformly.

Displays convey significant messages

How can one ascertain which farms provide the highest-quality products without conducting a sampling? In addition to the vitality of the fruit, Rubba seeks signs that the producers possess a true appreciation for terrestrial pleasures, such as product diversity or a commitment to excelling in a limited number of offerings.

“I am attempting to ascertain whether you genuinely love vegetables,” he states. I desire to observe sellers cultivating a diverse array of intriguing cultivars inspired by the seed catalog. Diversity indicates a likely concern for soil health. Alternatively, you may observe their cultivation of an eclectic assortment of tomatoes and herbs, indicating their dedication to their craft. I wish to purchase from an individual who genuinely consumes the stuff.

The presentation and its curation convey significant meaning as well. Vendors may display a restricted quantity of greens to preserve the freshness of the remainder in the truck. They may wash, dry, and pre-package young greens, meticulously bundle roots on their vibrant green stems, and retain potatoes encased in soil to prolong freshness. “Their investment of time in those matters indicates genuine involvement and thoughtful consideration,” he asserts. “You desire to observe vitality and proper maintenance.”

Do not solely attend for agricultural products

Restaurants maintain symbiotic connections with market vendors, extending beyond those offering the freshest vegetables.

“That is another aspect of the market.” Carter states that one may obtain the freshest items, including meats, proteins, cheese, snacks, and coffee. I want everyone to understand that they may obtain a meal sufficient to nourish their entire family at the market. It originates from small enterprises that highlight their locality and community.

Consequently, it is beneficial to carry a large, insulated bag. Carter states, "I consistently carry my Yeti bag, which is both aesthetically pleasing and resilient." “If I do not bring that, I will make two or three trips to the car.”