No need to spend a small fortune on fresh fruit and vegetables, thankfully
some money-saving Moms share their best secrets to shopping at and
stocking up on produce at farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

Here are 8 of their best-kept secrets…

a) Ask This Question-
Ask the owner what’s new or abundant this week.
The owner may be willing to cut a discount for the produce they
have a lot of, so don’t be bashful.
Also, keep a few damp towels in your bag to wrap around the produce
to help keep it fresh.

b) Get On Their List-
If you become a regular at a farm stand, ask the owner if they have a
website or newsletter or email list. If they do, give him or her your
information and ask to be put on the email list or website.
Taking advantage of this can help you score some sweet deals.

c) Go Online-
Not sure where the farm stands or farmers’ markets are located in your
neck of the woods? Go online to LocallyGrown.net.
On this site, growers register their farms and some even sell their produce
online. Browse the sites closest to you and look for bargains.

d) Buy Early-
Want to save even more? Join a newer form of the community supported
agriculture (CSA) model called a declining balance CSA, and now is the time
to do it for next year. How it works: You add money to a credit account before
the growing season starts. Once the produce comes in, you shop for whatever
you want at the farmers market instead of receiving a weekly share prepared by
the farm, which usually includes produce you might not want or won’t use.
Simply search for one online or ask at the farmers’ market.

e) Compare Prices-
Don’t be afraid to mention that your local supermarket (Aldi or Whole Foods)
has asparagus or peaches at a much lower price. Some farmers may be willing
to come down on their prices. Also important: Have this conversation when
no other shoppers are within earshot, as the farmer may not want to give a
discount to everyone.

f) Learn How To Pick Fruit and Veggies-
If you’re not that savvy about picking fruit and veggies, you may get ripped off.
It’s important that you ask questions or learn on your own how to pick fruit
and veggies that may be overripe or not ripe enough.
An example: Touch avocados or cantaloupe and if you place your finger on it
and it makes an indentation, it’s overripe. And for corn, check the silk at the top-
it shouldn’t be too dark and dry and the husk-should be smooth, green and moist.

g) Take Home Some Old Fruit and Vegetables-
If you’re a baker or soup maker, then it may be wise to buy apples, bananas
or green beans with a few brown spots. Use the overripe produce to make
smoothies, baked goods, stews and stir-fries.
Also important: Ask if they have bread, milk, eggs and meats that may be
past their “expiration dates” You can use milk for puddings, breads for
baked goods and meats to make stir-fries or for your pets.

h) Visit This Type of Farm Stand-
If you’re in a town or city with a “pick your own fruit or veggies” take advantage
of it.16 oz. of raspberries at the supermarket may go for $5, but at the farm
stand, it may be a dollar or two less for a pound. Stock up if you have a large
freezer and make preserves or get out the Mason jars and can certain
fruits and vegetables. Another plus, you can get the kids involved, so they
can see where fruits and vegetables come from.

Sources:
* Teri Gault, author of Shop Smart, Save More
* Suzannah Schneider, CNGFarming.org
* Laura Seabolt, Garden Expert, YouShouldGrow.com
* Mary Banks, Grandmother and Roadside Shopper
* Stephanie Merchant, TheNutritionMom.com
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