5 essentials to take to the farmers’ market with you on sunny days
The summer season means bountiful fruits and vegetables are readily available at farmers’ markets across the country. Here’s a list of reusable items to bring with you next time you are stocking up on locally grown foods.
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If you’re making a choice to buy homegrown food at a local farmers’ market, why not take the commitment to your health and environment one step further by bringing reusable bags and containers along with you. Simply stash these items into a tote bag or basket and fill up with as much summer produce from various vendors as you can. When the sun is shining, you’ll feel good about dining…local!
Now Designs Burlap Market Tote
Amazon.ca
This sturdy yet whimsical market tote is made by Now Designs, who are headquartered in Vancouver and for over 50 years have created stylish home and kitchen products with the finest quality in mind. Constructed with natural jute and featuring a canvas trim, this durable bag will come in handy when stocking up from multiple vendors.
Why you need this:
Catch-all bag for everything you buy at the farmers’ market
Supportive base for heavy contents
Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on more than 300 Amazon.ca reviews
CleverMade SnapBasket Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag
Amazon.ca
An insulated basket is an essential item to take with you to the farmers’ market if you plan on buying your week’s worth of perishables. This option has the most practical features we could find including premium handles, a long shoulder strap, and super stability from a top metal wire frame with feet on the bottom of the basket as well as a flat, supportive base. The innovative snap-up and foldable design makes it easy to store in your car trunk for Saturdays at the market.
Why you need this:
Keeps vegetables, meats, and cheeses cold
Zipper closure at the lid to ensure everything is safely stored at a regulated temperature
Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on nearly 400 Amazon.ca reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Reusable Produce Bags - Set of Eight
Amazon.ca
Produce bags became all the rage a few years ago. When you’re selecting one, it’s important to pay attention to the material it's made with so you don’t defeat the purpose of going plastic-free. This option from small Canadian brand Leafico is made with non-toxic cotton and muslin making it 100 per cent biodegradable. The fabric is delicate which allows for ample air circulation, even when the bag is drawn closed.
Why you need this:
Organic bags in a variety of sizes to hold produce, herbs, spices, grains, or nuts
Machine washable
Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on more than 2,000 Amazon.ca reviews
Prep Naturals Glass Food Prep Containers with Lids
Amazon.ca
Instead of taking plastic fruit quarts with you from a vendor, ask to transfer the contents into an airtight glass container like this one from Prep Naturals. We selected it because of its high customer satisfaction rating on Amazon.ca and the fact that you get five containers that hold 30 ounces of food at a reasonable price. Keep a couple in your market tote and see what you can fill them with!
Why you need this:
Fill reusable containers with small fruits and vegetables or other small items
Dishwasher safe
Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on more than 13,300 Amazon.ca reviews
Abeego, The Original Beeswax Food Storage Wrap - Set of Three Sizes
Amazon.ca
At Shop the Weather, we’ve stated our interest in beeswax food wraps before. They are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic wrap as they are made with natural beeswax and cotton fabric, tree resin, and jojoba oil. Abeego is a Canadian brand that handcrafts all of its wraps on home turf. The benefit of using these wraps also includes keeping food fresher for longer with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Why you need this:
Reusable wrap to take cheeses and bread home from the market in
Three sizes included: Small, medium, and large
Rated 4.5 out of 5 based on nearly 1,500 Amazon.ca reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Lisa Summerour/Unsplash
