Farmer's Market Shopping 101

Gooseberry Patch Market Math Chart
Good morning! This post is about one of my favorite things to do-shop at the local farmer's market :) I love shopping for produce that is fresh because it adds so much flavor to my recipes with very little effort. I have found the more I buy produce at large chain stores the more it lacks in flavor because it has been sent all over the United States, frozen, thawed, re-frozen and then sprayed with a ton of chemicals to preserve the "look" of a seemingly perfect looking tomato. However, once I cut into that tomato and taste it-the truth becomes evident. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the distribution of produce to my local chain store (especially when things are not in season at the fresh market) BUT if I am able to pick between the two options when I set out to do my grocery shopping, I think my decision is obvious and my business lies with the local farmer's market. All that to say, as much as I love using fresh ingredients-I sometimes find myself "guessing" at how much to actually use based on the suggested recipe amounts. I've learned a lot while working with fresh herbs instead of herbs you can purchase already preserved in a jar. I found this Market Math sheet online and I LOVE IT! This will help me measure out things and not over buy or even under buy the necessary ingredients. Hope it helps you too!