8 Foods That Chefs Always Buy at the Farmers Market

Wild Mushrooms

“Whenever visiting my local farmers market, I always look for wild mushrooms,” says professional chef and cookbook author Cathy Whims.  “Some of my favorites are morels, chanterelles, and porcini, all with unique, earthy, and distinct flavors.”

Figs

For Whims, farmers markets are the perfect place to pick up sweet figs. "You rarely see good ones in the grocery store," she explains, "and sometimes, even my own fig tree does not produce well."

Expert farmers will have their figs harvested and sold at peak freshness, giving cooks and customers optimal choice and flavor.

Eggs

According to Whims, eggs are best bought from the farmers market since they are "always fresh and free-range, adding more flavor; plus the yolks tend to be darker.”

Many prefer purchasing eggs at farmers markets for their flavor and animal welfare standards. (Farmers may even have pictures or videos of the hens’ living and laying conditions if you ask.)

Honey

Raw honey has several health benefits, including boosting cardiovascular health and wound healing. Local honey may also help with allergies, since it’s made by bees via the same pollen that’s making you sneeze.

“At Union Square Cafe, we use a local raw honey from bees throughout the city,” Ciardullo says.

Heirloom Tomatoes

For tomatoes bursting with juice and taste, shop your local farmers market. Heirloom tomatoes—that is, tomatoes not grown from mass-produced conventional seeds—are a particular farmers market favorite.

"These tend to be grown by farmers because they taste best, rather than by big business, who are looking for ease rather than quality," Ciardullo explains. "Look for these first, and stock up while you can!"

Peppers

Peppers grown by farmers for consumers (rather than trips to warehouses or co-packing facilities) will have more flavor, including spice, sweetness, and hotness. You may be surprised at how complex various types of peppers can taste after trying seasonal specialties directly from farmers.

Radishes

A favorite for Ciardullo, farmers market radishes are often more vibrant and flavorful than varieties found at the supermarket. Daikon radishes, watermelon radishes, breakfast radishes, and Easter radishes are all popular varieties you may find at the farmers market.

Lettuce and Leafy Greens

A favorite of chefs and nutritionists alike, greens found at the farmers market typically have been picked more recently, are fresher, and not mass-produced. That means they’re less likely to wilt in the crisper drawer before you get a chance to make a salad.

And if you’re worried about food recalls and contamination, bagged, washed greens are reportedly riskier than full heads of lettuce—so prioritize the safest option by buying at the farmers market.