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Reasons to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Before we jump into how to make fruits and veggies more affordable, let’s discuss some reasons why they should play a significant part in your daily diet:

• Protect against diseases like cancer.
• Low in calories.
• Excellent sources of vitamins and minerals to help you look and feel your best.
• Loaded with digestion-boosting fiber.
• Low in sodium.
• Have zero cholesterol.
• Help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Prevent overeating by helping you feel fuller longer.
• Allow for added creativity in the kitchen.
• Can be enjoyed in various forms, such as fresh, frozen, dried, and canned.
• Serve as quick, nutritious snacks.

What’s the most surprising aspect of that list? The fact that it could keep going. And while there are plenty of reasons to eat fruits and vegetables, their cost may keep you from buying them as much as you should. Here are some tips to lower your costs while shopping for fruits and veggies at the best source possible: Farmers markets.

Tips to Save at Farmers Markets

Wait For Bad Weather

Farmers markets tend to be outside, which can work in your favor during bad weather. Why? Because such weather can keep other customers away, and this can lead vendors to give you good deals on the spot, so they move their product.

When shopping on “slow” days, be sure to ask about bundles. By bundling items, you can usually save a lot more than buying them separately.

Shop for Seconds

Some smaller stalls tend to specialize in “seconds.” These are items that aren’t aesthetically pleasing and tend to get overlooked. By opting for seconds that are either too small or ugly to get sold at full price, you can save a lot while still getting what you came for: Nutritious food.

Choose Smaller Vendors

If you see a vendor that has just one table, walk up to them. The smaller they are, the more likely you are to get good deals compared to massive vendors with loads of inventory and several shoppers.

Try Virtual Markets

While they may be seen as old-fashioned, farmers markets have gone “futuristic” with the Internet.

Visit a site like Food4All.com, and you can shop for farmers market fruits and veggies from the comfort of your couch. You can still get great savings, just without having to go in person.

Ask For Expert Advice

Since fruits and vegetables can put a dent in your wallet, the last thing you want to happen is for them to spoil. Keeping this in mind, tell the farmer your intentions, so you don’t waste any items.

For instance, if you’re having brunch at your house and want to serve melon, let the farmer know when the brunch will be. In doing so, they’ll pick a melon that will last and will taste the best for your target date.

Stay Seasonal

This simple tip will help you save without having to go without all the benefits only fruits and veggies can provide.

Ask If You Can Join an Email List

You can stay on top of the best deals by joining email lists. Believe it or not, many farmers market vendors now have these as a way to stay in touch with customers. Ask if your favorite vendor has an email list and sign up for it to get updates on fresh produce and possible promotions.