The incredible health benefits of a diet high in fresh produce aren’t overhyped.
In fact, studies have proven time and again a direct correlation between increased fruit and vegetable intake and lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of heart disease, the prevention of certain cancers, and ease of maintaining a healthier body weight.
While the exact mechanisms for these incredible benefits are still scientifically unknown, all of these studies share one conclusion.
Fresh produce is good for you!
And when you’re able to eat locally grown, in-season fruits and veggies during any season of the year, all the better.
With that in mind, this guide outlines our three simple tips for choosing the best produce at The Markets at Shrewsbury. It’s a practical skill nearly anyone can develop, and the results speak for themselves: better health and tastier meals.
Here’s how to make the most of your next farmers’ market run.
Tip #1: Snack on What’s in Season
Eating recently picked fruits and vegetables is the best way to maximize the taste and nutritional value of your produce. It’s also one of the best ways to lower your grocery bill, as you aren’t paying for transportation and storage costs.
Eating in season at The Markets is also easy. Just pay Glick’s Produce a visit and ask the attending staff for their top recommendations or weekly specials.
While each year yields slightly different crops, here's what you can expect in our area:
- Spring: Early spring brings cooler-temperature veggies like asparagus, rhubarb, radishes, spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, spring onions, sugar peas, and broccoli.
- Summer: The warmer summer months are a time to enjoy juicy plums, nectarines, watermelons, sweet corn, tomatoes, and local berries of all varieties.
- Fall: Orchard favorites like apples, pears, grapes, and pumpkins are bountiful in fall, plus leafy greens, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and early root vegetables like carrots and beets.
- Winter: The colder months bring hardier root vegetables like beets, turnips, potatoes, and yams, along with butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squashes.
Tip #2: Use Your Senses
As the saying goes, “the nose knows.” And when it comes to selecting the tastiest produce, most varieties simply require trusting your senses.
- Smell: A strong, sweet, or fragrant aroma often indicates ripeness, with a reliable rule being that if it smells good, it is good!
- Touch: On the whole, ripe fruits and veggies yield slightly to pressure when squeezed, whereas unripe produce is more “rock hard” and overripe choices get mushy.
- Appearance: Seek out produce with vibrant colors, while avoiding dull or shriveling skin. (Bonus: shop “the rainbow” to maximize dietary vitamins and minerals, as different foods carry different benefits!)
One more thing: if you won’t be eating your fruit right away, it is usually better to purchase unripe, firm fruits which will continue to ripen at home.
Tip #3: Talk to Your Farmer!
One of the greatest benefits of shopping at a local farmers’ market is the ability to speak directly with the farmers growing your produce.
By doing so, you’ll receive help selecting the top produce each week. Over time, this will help you make better choices no matter where you shop as you learn from the people who know their produce best.
But that’s not all. If you become a friendly face at your favorite stands, the farmers might just start setting aside their best picks for you before the local shopping rush!
Take These 3 Tips and Practice, Practice, Practice!
Selecting the best produce at your local farmers’ market is a skill you develop with experience. And just like any skill, it requires attention and practice.
The good news is it’s also fun—not to mention the fruits of your labor (ahem) are tasty to boot. So the next time you’re around York County, PA, be sure to swing by The Markets at Shrewsbury and see what’s in season.
Our local Amish farmers are ready to help you find the tastiest locally-grown fruits and veggies available. And perhaps even better than that, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and share a bit about yourself with our robust agricultural community.
We look forward to seeing you at The Markets soon!
Since 2001, The Markets at Shrewsbury has been considered one of the best Amish farmers' markets in Pennsylvania. Our traditional Amish marketplace features 18 unique vendors serving classic Pennsylvania Dutch fare, handmade crafts, clothing, and home goods. We look forward to serving you with some regional treats, farm-fresh produce, and friendly conversation!
