I suppose that, when you buy more produce than the average consumer, you come to observe a thing or two about that produce. We can't say for sure that our assertion is 100% true, but it sure does seem true to us. You see, we've noticed that produce we purchase at farmers' markets tends to keep longer than store-bought. Give it a try yourself, and see if your produce stays fresher longer!

Of course, there are many other benefits to shopping at farmers' markets. Aside from the produce being able to stay fresh longer, you're getting it in a much fresher state than store-bought. So, the things you eat first will be "extra" fresh tasting.

It's also nice to be able to talk with the farmers, and friendly to your local economy when you support local farmers. (We support the organic ones -- and they seem to outnumber the conventional ones here in Portland.) Plus, with no middle-man, there should theoretically be a cost savings. Here in Portland, there is an enormous weekly market called the Saturday Market. Wendi and Bailey shopped there regularly last fall after moving here.

I've been once this year, and was impressed by it. I would remark that it's so large of an operation here that it seems almost a little trendy as compared with smaller markets I've visited across the country, which made for prices more directly comparable to grocery stores than I thought or hoped would be the case. However, with enough shopping around, the deals were indeed there.

Another tip for farmers' markets is to *bring a large bag with you*!! Here in Portland, the market is so popular that parking is an issue; you'll likely be "hoofing it" for many blocks, which is fun going there and not so enjoyable returning with many little bags of heavy produce.

And, speaking of bags, it's also a good idea to get yourself a bunch of thicker plastic bags in which to store your vegetables in your fridge when you get home. Farmers' market sellers don't always offer bags like grocery store produce aisles have -- and good bags are an essential component for preserving produce in your fridge. ?(We covered Produce Storage a while back, and in great depth! You can find that blog post here.)