The editors of Southern Living magazine have compiled Farmers Market Cookbook: A Fresh Look at Local Flavor (March 16, $29.95),  with recipes and advice for buying and preparing produce from your farmers’ market.  The book features over 200 recipes, 150 photographs and a fresh produce priming with  specifics on selecting and storing fresh produce and herbs.

Some of the editors of Southern Living magazine tips include:

  • Go early: Avoid choosing from picked-over produce by arriving at your local market as early as possible.FarmersMarket
  • Go often: Buy only as much as you will use within a few days, and store produce (except tomatoes) in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place.
  • No list needed: Keep an open mind. Odds are there will be plenty of delectable produce on hand that will have you reconsidering your weekly menu plans.
  • Plan ahead: If you don’t plan to go straight home from the market, take a cooler so that fresh items won’t spoil in a warm car.
  • Take your time: Scope out the entire market before making your selections. Prices and types of produce vary among the different vendors.
  • Talk to the farmers: Make connections with the local farmers in your area. You might glean some unique cooking tips or even recipe ideas.
  • Bright is best: Look for blemish-free, brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Any bruised or damaged produce will spoil quickly.
  • More than just produce: While farmers markets have traditionally been known for selling fruits and vegetables alone, these days many offer one-stop shopping. Possibilities include organically fed, free-range meats and eggs; fresh-from-the-farm dairy products; canned and preserved items; and home-baked goodies.

– bonnie

Farmers Market Cookbook: A Fresh Look at Local Flavor is available in the Bite of the Best shop.