In today’s world of mega-chains and huge grocery stores, convenient and affordable food options are widely available. But in order to stock these stores, the food must be stored, refrigerated, and transported. One great way of ensuring that you’re getting fresh, high-quality food is to shop at your local farmer’s market.

  There are a few reasons why shopping at a farmer’s market is a better option:   1. The food comes from the source: the farmers who grow it! It passes through fewer hands and spends less time in transport, storage, and refrigeration. 2. Farmers get to keep a higher percentage of their profits, which helps them thrive as well as helping the community. 3. There is usually a wide variety of options at farmer’s markets, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, jams, and more! 4. The options at farmer’s markets tend to be fresher, healthier, and even cheaper.   Shopping at the farmer’s market is a little different than at a grocery store. For instance, farmer’s markets are often outdoors. Also, the types of produce you’ll find will vary by season, so it’s important to know what fruits and vegetables are in-season when you go. You may do a little detective work yourself, or your local farmer’s market may have a website with this info, like the Pasadena Farmer’s Market’s in-season list.   In September, in-season fruits include apples, dates, grapes, melon, pears, strawberries, and watermelon. Vegetables include corn, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. It’s the perfect time for roasting fresh corn on the cob, baking an apple pie, or stuffing green peppers with onion and your favorite meat!   Don’t forget to join me at the Pasadena Farmer’s Market this month on the 6th and 20th. You’ll be glad you did!