Farmers’ markets are terrific places to load up on fresh, local food. But you still need to shop smart, and that includes practicing food safety.
“Farmers’ markets are a great source of nutrient-rich foods,” says Melissa Perry, a registered dietitian with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. “They’re often picked at peak ripeness and have travelled a shorter distance to reach you. That said, you still should be alert and practice food safety when shopping.”
Here are Melissa’s tips to help you have a safe experience with your farmers’ market bounty.
1. Bring your own food storage items.
If you’re planning to buy meat or dairy, bring a cooler to keep those items at safe temperatures. It’s also a good idea to bring your own reusable bags for other food items. Vendors often run short on bags and reuse them. You don’t know what they’ve been used to store, so it’s better to bring your own.
2. Look for the freshest produce.
Don’t be afraid to be picky when choosing what you buy:
- Look for produce that’s in season.
- Check for color and firmness.
- Avoid bruised or damaged fruits and vegetables, or items that have cuts or holes.
- Look for mold.
- Don’t buy wilting greens.
Also, you might want to pick some items that aren’t quite ripe yet, so you have more time to use them before they spoil.
3. Avoid unpasteurized items.
Don’t buy unpasteurized milk or cheese. They can carry harmful bacteria that can cause serious illnesses. It’s illegal to sell raw milk in Tennessee for that reason. Make sure you buy pasteurized versions of any juices or ciders that you buy, too.
4. Use care when purchasing eggs.
Farm-fresh eggs can be delicious — but make sure they aren’t cracked. When you get home, wash off any visible dirt and dry them carefully before placing them in the refrigerator.
5. Rate the vendor’s space.
Skip booths that aren’t clean and well-kept. Look for these warning signs:
- Trash or moldy produce laying around
- Vendors eating or drinking near the food
- Vendors handling food without gloves or clean serving utensils
- Food items stored in direct sunlight
- Food items placed on or near the ground
- No coolers for perishable items, like meat
Practice safety when you get home
Melissa Perry: Once home, unpack your items immediately and store them appropriately. You don’t need to wash everything right away. Washing produce too soon can cause wilting and early spoilage. It can also promote bacterial growth. If you bought any pre-cut or already peeled produce, be sure to refrigerate it right away. That also goes for berries, mushrooms, and lettuce, which all need to be refrigerated within two hours.
If you used reusable totes, wash them before using them again, especially if you purchased raw meat or poultry.
Enjoy safely
“There are so many reasons to shop at a farmers’ market,” says Melissa Perry. “You can even chat with the farmers to learn how they grow their food. You can get ideas for ways to use the food that you’re buying. Just practice food-safety precautions when you’re at the market.”
Check out the state farmers’ market finder to locate a market near you. You can even search for places where you can pick your own produce.
More from Melissa Perry on WellTuned
Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.