So you’ve read up on the history of the markets and know what to expect when you get there, like which markets accept EBT and to leave Fido at home. In fact, heading to the farmers market and returning home with fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and even frozen food is becoming one of the best part of your week. You’ve even made friends with your favorite tomato vendor and can’t wait to try the quiche recipe they shared with you.

You’re on your way to becoming a farmers market pro. These insider tips and tricks will help you get even more out of your farmers market experience. We answer questions like: Should you go early or late? How do you get the best deal? And the one accessory every marketgoer should have on hand.

If you’re trying to get the best produce (or fresh bread before it sells out), arrive early. While most vendors tend to have ample boxes of extra produce, some fruits and veg, like strawberries, will sell out, so get there before the rush!

If your goal is to get a good deal, but you don’t mind not fulfilling everything on your grocery list, try arriving as the vendors are winding down. You might get a good deal or an extra veg or two!

Got questions about Santa Cruz county farmers markets? Here’s where to find answers.

Here are three ways to take advantage of some underrated deals at the market:

Don’t worry about feeling hungry while searching for produce. Every market has multiple food vendors and many of them showcase regional and cultural cuisine that can’t be found anywhere else in the county. Depending on which market you visit and the time of year, you can find Salvadorian pupusas; Eastern European pierogis; Chinese bao; Eritrean food; British fried fish; Venezuelan arepas; regional Oaxacan dishes; and so much more.

Some markets have limited parking. Get there early, or else leave extra time for your trip in case you end up circling the block a few times. Alternately, ride your bike or take public transportation. Bus stops from the METRO are located near every farmers market, and designated bike parking is available at most markets.

Before you buy, do a lap or two to get an idea of what’s available. By doing so, you can discover what exciting produce has come into season just this week (yes, you can find different produce every week!).

Looking around first also allows you to check for the best price and quality. While pricing for produce can be similar among the vendors, it’s worth checking to see if some produce simply looks better or perhaps is priced friendlier for your budget.

For your listening pleasure, the Live Oak, Westside, Felton, Scotts Valley and Watsonville markets have free live music scheduled every week. The downtown Santa Cruz market does not have scheduled music, but it does generally have independent artists set up at different spots.

While most vendors offer paper or plastic bags for fruits and vegetables, not all of them do. Large, grocery-style bags are not available.

This is intentional. Most of the markets have implemented waste-reduction efforts to encourage vendors and marketgoers alike to change some of their market habits. Help them reduce waste by bringing reusable tote bags, produce bags, containers, and even utensils if you plan to eat food.

Whatever your dietary needs or preferences, you’ll find something for you at the farmers market. And, unlike the grocery store, the person who made the product you’re interested in buying is likely the one selling it to you. Ask them any questions you have to be sure it’s right for you. That’s what they’re there for!

Lily Belli is the daughter of a chef who fell deeply in love with Santa Cruz’s rich food culture while attending UCSC. She previously wrote for the Good Times, Edible Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz Weekly and Thrillist.

Giovanni Moujaes (he/him) comes to Lookout Santa Cruz with five years of experience managing news products and content strategies. A San Diego native, Giovanni has worked with news organizations up and down the coast of Southern California, ranging from The San Diego Union-Tribune to KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles, his most recent stop.

Blaire Hobbs (she/her) joins Lookout Santa Cruz after three years of working in the field of misinformation and media literacy. As a student at UCSC, Blaire worked as research assistant studying the spread of fake news, before transferring this experience to developing media literacy curriculum as a teaching assistant, and reporting on misinformation techniques for a research-based nonprofit called The Propwatch Project. Through this work, she developed a passion for reporting and a keen interest in local journalism.

Santa Cruz County farmers markets: Frequently asked questions

Santa Cruz County farmers markets: Frequently asked questions

Santa Cruz County farmers markets: The definitive guide to locations, vendors and shopping tips

Santa Cruz County farmers markets: The definitive guide to locations, vendors and shopping tips

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