Why I Shop at Farmers Markets in New Orleans (And What I Buy)

Shopping at the farmers markets in New Orleans has become a habit, even a ritual for me most weeks. I have come to love my weekly visits to either the weekday or weekend markets in the city. My lifestyle has become very intentional, and that includes the way I eat and what I put into my body. The farmers market is the perfect place to get quality foods, and ones that you know are making a positive difference in your life. I'm excited to share the many reasons I continue to shop at the New Orleans farmers markets. You might be inspired to do the same after reading this.

Why I Shop at Farmers Markets in New Orleans

I didn’t always shop at farmers markets. For a long time, I was grocery store shopper, mindlessly getting what I needed, and didn’t think much about where my food came from. It was convenient, predictable, and honestly...it became too comfortable and boring for me. That changed when I started going to the Crescent City Farmers Market. Now it’s part of my routine. Not every week, not religiously, but enough that I notice the difference when I don’t go, and I kind of hate not going.

Itt’s not just about the food. It’s the experience, the quality, the interactions with the vendors and farmers, and the fact that it actually makes something as basic as grocery shopping feel like an activity I want to do and love doing. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the habit change in your life, here’s my honest take.

All from the market: fresh pasta, tomatoes, and jumbo lump crab meat

Is shopping at farmers markets in New Orleans actually worth it?

Yes, shopping at farmers markets in New Orleans is worth it...with a small asterisk. If you’re expecting it to completely replace your grocery store, it will not. But if you use it to supplement your shopping with better-quality, seasonal food, it absolutely is. For me, it’s about the entire, immersive experience. I try new foods, which inspires me to get more creative in the kitchen, and eat healthier. That shift alone makes cooking and eating feel easier and more enjoyable. And enjoying life is a very beautiful experience.

Are farmers markets cheaper than grocery stores?

I'm going to be honest and tell you that I have not done a direct comparison to grocery store prices and the farmers markets. My most important priority is quality foods, so I believe that where I shop for groceries is likely about the same as the farmers markets. While you're not able to clip coupons for the farmers markets, you can find great value in what they offer. If you're looking for cost effectiveness only, then the farmers market might not be for you.

What is the best farmers market in New Orleans?

While I haven't hit every single farmers market in New Orleans and the surrounding areas, I do know that Crescent City Farmers Market has my favorite farmers, and that is where I spend my dollars. I know that I can get anything from chicken to lamb to fish, fresh seasonal vegetables, seasonal fruit, foods that are made there that I can take home and eat immediately, and more. They have 3 markets per week, two in the morning (on Sundays and Tuesdays) and one in the afternoon (on Thursdays). Each is in a different location, so wherever you live, at least one is easy to get to for you. This is my market preference, and I love supporting them.

What do I actually buy at farmers markets?

Mostly I buy fresh vegetables, chicken, seafood, fruit, dairy products, honey, and bee pollen. Occasionally I branch out and buy things that are out of my normal rotation, and I love going off script and seeing what tickles my fancy at the moment. Testing out new ways of cooking or eating foods excites me, and a lot of that reason has to do with shopping at the New Orleans farmers markets. It's fun, and I enjoy what I buy.

Half Roasted Chicken and Carrots from the Farmers Market

10 Reasons I Shop at Farmers Markets in New Orleans

The Produce and Meats Tastes Better

One of my favorite things is to cook for people. It's how I show my love for them. When I cook with farmers market foods, people notice and think I am some kind of master chef. My secret: the ingredients. What I cook with makes the difference. You'll taste it immediately.

I Buy What's in Season

There's no thinking about what is in season and where it comes from because what the farmers have is what you buy. That's what's in season, and our bodies appreciate when we feed them that way. It helps with natural immunities and nutrients, which is pretty cool.

It Makes Buying Groceries Less of a Chore

Hitting the farmers market for my groceries is one of these activities that feels fun and light. I get to go visit my farmer friends, chat about the different foods they offer, and bring home my haul. It's outside, it's fresh, and everything about it feels enjoyable.

I've Learned What's Worth Buying

There's not much at the farmers market that I would say is not "worth" buying. Each of the farmers that shows up is there for a reason. And CCFM organization vets their farmers really well, so you don't have to worry about quality. This is their whole purpose, to bring quality foods to our tables. And they do succeed at doing that.

The Products Last Longer

I've notices how long my fruits and veggies last when I buy them from the farmers market versus the grocery store. They are traveling a few hours after being plucked, so you are getting them days before most grocery stores get their items that come from who-knows-where.

I Get More Creative in the Kitchen

I LOVE getting creative when I cook. Trying new recipes and new types of vegetables for me is thrilling, so all the little weird things I find there that I never knew about before become part of my kitchen delights. It's been so fun cooking with all the new things I find there over the years.

It Feels More Connected (and Communal)

Community is one of those things that is missing in many people's lives. Interacting with people regularly is underrated, but at the markets, you get that sense of community and connectedness. You're more connected to the people who grow the foods you eat, and the food itself. Don't underestimate how important that is for you.

Making It a Routine is Easy

Habits change if you change them. We all have daily, weekly, monthly habits. This is one of those things that you simply add into your routine, mark in your calendar, and make sure happens so you are eating better and living better. No making excuses as to why you don't have time because you probably do, you just need the habit to form.

It Fits a New Orleans Lifestyle

Farmers markets are very European. When I go to Paris, I buy things daily or every couple of days. It's nothing to hit the same grocery store or market multiple times per week when in Europe, and in New Orleans, we have a better work-life balance than most other US cities. The farmers markets are part of that balanced lifestyle.

It's So Enjoyable

The older I get, the more I realize that enjoying life is imperative to happiness, longevity, and overall health. I absolutely love going to the farmers market several times per month. It makes me sad if I miss a week or two. Adding this activity in will surely enhance your way of living and life, so do give it a chance.

Chicken noodle soup with farmers market ingredients

Let's Go Shopping at the New Orleans Farmers Market

There are so many benefits to shopping at the New Orleans farmers markets. It's not going to be for everyone at every stage of life, but if it's something you've been thinking about, go for it. This is my testimony that it is worth it not only for the food, but your quality of life in general. I love being part of helping people create habits that elevate their lives, and this is a simple one that makes a big difference. Enjoy the markets, enjoy cooking, and enjoy your life.

If you liked this article, you may also like my 7 easy dinner recipe ideas. Bon appétit!

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Why I Shop at Farmers Markets in New Orleans (And What I Actually Buy)