Finding Joy and Nourishment at the Farmers Market

I always leave feeling uplifted.

Shopping at the farmers market is one of my favorite things to do. I look forward to it the same way I do live music, going to the movies, or getting the chance to sit and read a book I’m loving without any distractions. Wandering through the stalls to see what nature happens to be offering that week feels like a little adventure.

We live in California most of the year, and our local market is incredible. But I always seek out farmers markets when I travel—it’s one of the best ways to connect with wherever I am. You get a sense of the land, the community, and the seasons. You meet the people who grow the food, and you start to understand something deeper about the place.

Eating local, seasonal food is better for our bodies and for the planet, and honestly, it’s just more enjoyable and it makes me feel better. I recently read that the nutritional value of food can be affected when it travels long distances. Time away from the source, exposure to heat and light during transport and storage—it all leads to nutrient depletion. When I was feeling overwhelmed as a young mom of twins, the three of us would go to the farmers market together and it became an enjoyable bonding ritual. We’d be outside, talking to farmers (who were always so sweet to my kids), tasting samples, and learning where the food came from. Looking back, I think those outings helped shape our family’s relationship to food and nature more than I realized at the time. Now that my kids have homes of their own, they go to the farmers market too.

But I know that seasonal cooking can feel intimidating to many people, especially if you’re not sure what to do with something unfamiliar. Here’s a trick I’ve discovered: Go to the market and buy whatever looks and sounds good. Don’t overthink it. Once you’re back home, search for recipes based on the ingredients you found. Pick up anything else you need from your local grocery store, and suddenly you have a lineup of seasonal meals to cook for the next few days. It makes cooking feel more like an adventure than a chore.

Over the years, I’ve gathered some favorite recipes that I return to often. They’re simple, full of flavor, and really highlight the fresh ingredients. When I need inspiration, I usually start with New York Times Cooking, Food52, and Half Baked Harvest—they’re all great at helping you work with what’s in season.

Some of my favorite farmers market-inspired recipes:

Crispy Tofu and Broccoli with Ginger-Garlic Teriyaki Sauce: I found this sweet and savory recipe after buying some gorgeous tender spring broccoli and now I make it fairly often.

Crispy Coconut Kale with Roasted Salmon & Coconut Rice: This is so nourishing, especially in the fall when sweet potatoes are at their most flavorful.

Turmeric Cauliflower and Garlic Noodles: I like making this with rice instead of noodles—comforting, warm, and easy.

6-Minute Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Custard: This light, creamy dessert is an incredible way to celebrate the abundance of spring citrus.

To get into farmers market shopping and meal prepping, all you really need is a basket and your computer. I’ve had my same basket since my kids were little. It has two layers so I can put fragile things like berries and flowers on top. One of the wheels fell off recently, and I got surprisingly sentimental about it. My husband fixed it for me, but I might be in the market for a new one soon. Here are a couple I’ve been eyeing: this charming rattan one and this sturdy collapsible version that’s a bit more practical.

If you have a basket or recipe that you love, please share in the comments!