5 THINGS WE BUY AT THE FARMER’S MARKET

OuiPlease Farmer’s Market Guide 

One of our favorite weekend activities in the spring is going to the farmer’s market. Whether they’re living in Paris or a provincial town, French people head to the farmer’s market on Sunday to stock up on fresh, local items that simply can’t be bought at the supermarché. Before you visit your market this weekend, take note of these five items we always choose to purchase from local vendors.

• Cheese

  While the general consensus is that cheese (and wine!) is better with age, some cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta are actually best fresh. Find a knowledgeable cheesemonger at your market to always be in the know about the freshest batches. Once you get your cheese home, be sure to store it properly.

• Dried fruits and nuts

  One of our favorite things to snack on during a hectic workday is a handful of nuts or dried fruits. We buy everything from almonds to apricots at the market because they are noticeably fresher and tastier than the pre-packed variety. Vendors at the market will likely allow you to not only taste their products before purchasing but to buy in bulk, which will reduce the amount of plastic waste in the transaction. Nuts and dried fruits are also a must-have addition to a perfectly arranged cheese board!

• Vegetables

  The market is the perfect place to stock up on your weekly vegetables. The vegetables at the market are grown locally, so you’ll be buying perfectly ripe, in-season produce. Another plus is that the vendor is often the farmer, and will be able to pick out the best fruits and vegetables from the loot for you.

• Honey

  Local honey is a must-have addition to any pantry. Whether you use it in your tea or desserts, local honey is loaded with flavor and comes in a dazzling multitude of varieties from light and creamy to dark and syrupy. Our go-to is a Provence essential, lavender honey. Did you know that consuming honey that is locally produced in your area can actually help alleviate seasonal allergies?

• Baguette

  Finish your excursion to the market at the Boulanger. We always buy a warm, fresh baguette on Sunday, which can then be transformed into any number of mini-meals throughout the week. Try a slice of baguette covered in fresh goat cheese and drizzled with honey – you can thank us later!

French Tip: Don’t leave home without your market bag.

Very rarely do local vendors provide a bag for your purchased goods, so always be prepared. We love the chic and simple cotton Filt Market Bag. They’re just as sustainable as they are fashionable, and they’re coming to your doorstep in the April OuiPlease box. Subscribe to OuiPlease V4.3 De La Fleur Box here.