When it comes to flavorful fruits and vegetables, you can’t beat local farmers markets.

At a farmers market, you’re more likely to find fresh-picked, right-off-the-vine fruits and vegetables that were harvested at peak ripeness.

This means that fruits and vegetables from the farmers market not only taste better, but they also contain more nutrients than foods that were picked early, shipped and stored before they reached the grocery store.

Ohio has a wealth of fruits and vegetables in season over the next few months. From blackberries, peaches and blueberries to peppers, tomatoes and sweet corn, you’ll find plenty of fresh options for your family. Check out the Ohio Farm Bureau’s website for a handy chart of what’s in season over the next few months.

When setting out for the farmers market, pack reusable bags to carry your purchases. Keep in mind, though, that dirt and bacteria can build up on them. It’s a good idea to wash your bags before and after you use them.

When making your selections at the farmers market, ask the farmer about food safety practices and when the produce was harvested so that you can determine whether you’re buying the freshest, safest items.

Look for fruits and vegetables that aren’t bruised or damaged – bacteria multiplies more rapidly in damaged produce. Choose food that has been kept out of the sun. Avoid pre-cut or peeled fruits and vegetables unless they have been kept on ice or refrigerated for safety.

If you plan to buy raw meat, poultry, soft cheeses and other perishable items, bring a cooler with ice to keep the food safely below 40 degrees until you can get it home and into the refrigerator. Make sure the vendor has stored perishable food at temperatures below 40 degrees before you buy it.
If you don’t have a cooler, refrigerate perishable food within two hours of purchasing it – or only one hour if the outside temperature is higher than 90 degrees.

When you get home, thoroughly wash all produce under running water before you eat it, even if you plan to peel it.

Farmers markets offer a unique opportunity to bring home fresh, flavorful food while supporting local producers. Have fun exploring the options, keep food safety in mind and try something new!