Mayo Clinic Minute: A chef’s advice at the farmers market
Experts say one of the best places to explore seasonal, local foods is the farmers market.
In this Mayo Clinic Minute, Jen Welper, an executive chef with the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, has five tips for maneuvering your way through the local market.
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (0:57) is in the downloads. Read the script.
It doesn’t get much fresher than the food at a farmers market.
"It’s literally picked fresh and brought here to you," says Welper, who has some ideas for making the most of this garden of eating.
"Go in with a plan," she says. "That’s the No.1 thing."
Welper says that will keep you from wasting food by scooping up more than you’ll be able to use.
"Maybe do one hot lap, and let it sink in," she adds.
Tip 2: Stock up on staples that you can incorporate into more than one meal.
"So maybe you’re going to have steamed green beans tonight, and, two nights later, you’re going to do stir-fry with green beans,"explains Welper.
Tip 3: Try to create a rainbow of colors with your choices.
"You know that you’re hitting all nutrients by having different colors," says Welper.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to try something new.
“It gives you an opportunity to branch out your diet," adds Welper.
And tip 5: If you don’t know what it’s called or how it’s prepared, ask a vendor for advice. They’ll likely have suggestions and may even offer you a sample.