Be Sure to Mind Your Peas and Queues

Attending a farmers’ market to purchase fruits and vegetables directly from the source has become a weekly routine for many. Like all social occasions and business settings, though, farmers’ markets have some dos and don’ts:

* Don’t jump the gun. Some customers make it a practice to arrive half an hour before opening time to stake their claim on what they consider the “best-looking produce.” However, market rules usually regulate opening time. Vista market manager Dick Baughman explains that the whistle he blows at 8 a.m. to signal the official opening is because “we want everyone to have the same opportunity to see what’s available.” If you insist on special treatment, why not call the farmer ahead of time? Many will pick to order with a day or two’s notice. That way, you will be sure to get exactly what you want at the peak of freshness.

* Don’t climb aboard the farmer’s vehicle. Be patient. Give the farmer time to unload before picking through the merchandise. In one instance, a grower had no time to unload a truck full of Asian pears before overenthusiastic patrons climbed aboard to grab sacks full of the popular fruit. In that case, a local law enforcement officer was called in to re-establish order.

* Do bargain, if you feel like it. Most foreign-born customers don’t hesitate to bargain for a lower price, and the process is making converts among American customers as well. Bargaining politely can be fun. No need to turn hostile if the answer is negative, since all farmers are free to set their own prices. Most farmers offer substantial discounts if you buy in large quantities.

* Do await your turn. The market is run by farmers and their family members, and they try to be as courteous and efficient as possible. Everyone’s pet peeve is to stand in line patiently in front of a stand, only to have someone cut in ahead. Most business at the market is conducted during the first couple of hours, and there is usually plenty of merchandise on hand to satisfy demand.

* Don’t fondle the merchandise only to reject it. Bear in mind that farm-fresh produce often lacks the perfect, glossy appearance of supermarket wares. Vegetables and fruit with slight blemishes taste delicious, especially when they come straight from the farm.

* Do talk to the farmers. They are a proud and hard-working lot, and they are a mine of information when it comes to growing, picking and even cooking their product. They are usually happy to offer samples of an unusual fruit or vegetable.

* Do let the farmer know if you are unhappy with the product. If a problem can’t be resolved in a satisfactory manner, you can call on the market manager to help settle any disagreement.

* Do recycle containers, boxes and bags. Even egg cartons and berry containers are usually welcomed at many of the stands. Better still, bring your own market basket or string bag to avoid using commercial containers.

* Do respect parking regulations. As a community activity, markets must follow stringent city rules concerning parking, even on weekends.

* Do keep your pet on a leash. Because of the crowds, it’s really best not to bring your pet, but if you do, be sure you keep it under control.