By: Lauren McRae

Farmers’ market season has many benefits to it. During these few months, we can enjoy shopping while absorbing some Vitamin D from the sun, getting fresh produce while supporting local businesses and meeting new people. Lori Bumbaco, RD, Oncologist Dietitian at NorthShore, recommends:

• Go early for the best picks in produce.
• Do your research now to see when your local markets start.
• Bring your bags for your loot – and a cooler to keep it fresh.
• Carry small change to make transactions easier.
• Get the best-tasting produce when it’s in season.
• Talk it up with the vendors! Farmers love to share information about their products.

Lori suggests shopping for these produce items during their peak season:

Summer Fruits:

• Avocados
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupes
• Cherries
• Limes
• Mangoes
• Melons
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Tomatillos

Summer Vegetables:

• Basil
• Bell and sweet peppers
• Beets
• Carrots
• Cilantro
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Green onions
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Rhubarb
• Sweet onions

End of summer into fall:

• Chiles, or hot peppers
• Corn
• Figs
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Onion
• Spinach
• Squash
• Zucchini

Tip: Rinse berries just before eating them to avoid them getting soggy or rotting.

Tip: Avoid herbs with flowers on them. When the flowers bud, the herbs get a slightly bitter aftertaste.

What are you most looking forward to this farmers’ market season?