Farmer’s markets present a great opportunity to get quality produce for your family’s meals at a bargain price. But there’s much more to be found at the farmer’s market besides a great deal. While shopping at a farmer’s market you can be sure to find quality varieties of your favorite fruits and vegetables as well as the inspiration to experiment with some new ones, too.

Because farmer’s markets are usually comprised of local vendors and growers, you can bet that you will be able to find some great buys on your choice of produce. These growers didn’t have to worry about paying to have their product shipped to major cities or distribution areas, so their overhead isn’t as high.

And, if haggling is your strength, the farmer’s market is the place for you. Very few items are sold at a non-negotiable price. Strike up a conversation with a vendor late in the day and you may find the he is willing to accept almost any offer that allows him to pack up and go home.

Don’t be afraid to soak up the atmosphere at your local farmer’s market before you start making your purchases. Sometimes you will find the same type of fruit or vegetable available at more than one vendor’s table, and the first table you find may not have the best price. Walk around the market once to get the lay of the land before you get down to the business of making your purchases.

Great produce isn’t the only thing to be found at the farmer’s market. If you want to introduce a new type of fruit or vegetable into your family’s diet, the farmer’s market is the place to start. Ask one of your favorite vendors to suggest a new type of produce. Ask him how to prepare it, too. The vendor will know which products are the most desirable that week and how to make the most of it.

You won’t be sorry after spending a morning at your local farmer’s market. You’ll return to your home with a plethora of healthy fruits and vegetables and a little more knowledge about the food that you feed to your family.