farmers' markets

I am a huge proponent of farmers' markets.  I can't wait until summer comes around and I can start doing ninety percent of my grocery shopping there.  Living in the desert means our growing season starts a bit later than most so our market doesn't start until June.  Has yours started yet?  I know many across the country have.

Farmers markets make it easy to eat locally and seasonally.  And here's another tool that does the same: the epicurious seasonal ingredient map.  Click on the month and your state and it tells you what's in season in your area.  You can even plan ahead by clicking on coming months...so you'll be prepared when its time to bottle jam or crank out some homemade salsa.

What do you do: shop at the farmers' market, use a local CSA, harvest from your own garden or stick to the standard grocery store?

{images via yee haw}