Farmer's Market - will food keep?

Ali_TSO
Ali_TSO Posts: 1,172 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I'm thinking about going to the farmer's market in town on the way to dinner with friends Sat night. If I get fruits/veggies/bread/etc...will it all keep in the HOT car for a few hours? Also, is it really cheaper to buy from farmers markets? Anyone have any examples? :)

Replies

  • rthompson81
    rthompson81 Posts: 305 Member
    Just take a cooler with you. :)

    And as for price comparison, it really depends on where you're buying it from.
  • MrsVagus
    MrsVagus Posts: 82
    I'd get one of those cooler bags and keep them in there. I love the farmer's market- usually not cheaper, but great to support local and small businesses! Also fun to go and walk around usually!
  • adamcf
    adamcf Posts: 126
    I noticed that it's about the same cost. I hit up a farmers market a couple of weeks ago and I left everything in the car for about 1 hour. when I got home, some of the fruit was mushy. I would think that after a few hours it would all get mushy. maybe taking an ice chest would help.
  • kellyscomeback
    kellyscomeback Posts: 1,369 Member
    It depends on the area but I agree with the cooler idea. My farmers markets have had poor shelf life this year, items haven't lasted more than 24 hrs after purchase.
  • yeabby
    yeabby Posts: 643 Member
    You get the best deals at the markets when they are closing up.
  • Ali_TSO
    Ali_TSO Posts: 1,172 Member
    Yeah, see....I don't have a cooler, so I'd have to buy one, which would defeat the purpose, lol.
  • techymum
    techymum Posts: 168
    Agree to bring a cooler - you don't want to overheat all those yummy things you will buy!

    As for price, spend some time and comparison shop. I am new to the farmers market in my town, and first visit out just bought without a thought to price. Found out later that I paid 8$ for a dozen ears of corn!!!!

    Now that I have been going, I am already dreading when it closes for the winter...and also trying to freeze some of the goodies each week to save.

    Enjoy!
  • Ali_TSO
    Ali_TSO Posts: 1,172 Member
    It depends on the area but I agree with the cooler idea. My farmers markets have had poor shelf life this year, items haven't lasted more than 24 hrs after purchase.
    wow, i would be so pissed........
  • Bretto
    Bretto Posts: 196 Member
    I buy alot of my fruits and veggies through a program called bountiful baskets. Go to bountifulbaskets.org (org not com).

    You should try it if they are in your area. It is awesome and way cheaper than the store.
  • rthompson81
    rthompson81 Posts: 305 Member
    You can get a styrofoam cooler from a gas station for probably $3, and then you can use it over and over again. Totally worth the investment.
  • dawnrenee567
    dawnrenee567 Posts: 292 Member
    Shop in season items. Bring a cooler with ice, and you should be fine.
    Most items that you get at a (good) farmers market won't have all the chemical preservatives that you get in the stores, so yes the shelf life may be longer, but that's less 'crud' that you're putting in your body. Most fruits will freeze well and are yummy in yogurt, smoothies, etc. you can blanche and freeze veggies too.
  • bethdris
    bethdris Posts: 1,090 Member
    Cooler would be a must if left in the car for any amt of time. I like farmers markets b/c at least where I am most of produce is grown w/o pesticides and chemicals! :)
  • Syreeta6
    Syreeta6 Posts: 377 Member
    Buy a cooler, don't be cheap. You'll use it more than just Saturday.
  • crystalinda
    crystalinda Posts: 151 Member
    It depends on how hot, how long, and what you get. Perishables such as meats and dairy products should be refrigerated within 2 hours (1 hour when the temperature is above 90 °F). Whole fruits and vegetables should be ok for longer.
  • NovemberJune
    NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
    stuff is cheaper at our farmer's market. the stuff i buy anyway. bell peppers are 3 for $1, compared to $.75 EACH for greens and $2 each for other colors at the store. Green beans are $3 compared to $3.29. the difference in the peppers is awesome because i eat a few of those every week and can spend just $1 or $2 instead of $4 or $5 on my peppers! :)
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