From cage-free eggs to just-picked beets to raw honeycomb, farmers' market offerings are super fresh and bursting with flavor. Plus, each purchase you make at a farmers' market supports our community's farmers and vendors.

Your challenge: Visit any local farmers' market and head home with at least two fresh, local purchases.

Details: This is a one-time challenge.

End date: June 29, 2012

Search and share favorite recipes. (Free: iTunes)

90%

of every retail dollar gets taken home by growers who sell at farmers markets compared to just 10%, on average, made when they sell to large packing houses. (USDA Statistics, 2000)

Farmers Market Finder
This free app uses your current location to map all local markets. (Free: iTunes)

Get the Most From Your Market

1. Talk to the farmers! Ask questions, ask for samples and be honest when you aren't sure what something is.

2. Buy something different. Get items that aren't on your typical shopping list. Lower prices direct from the source mean you can afford to be adventurous.

3. Wander. Try not to go when you're in a rush so you have time to check out each stand.

4. Go hungry. Not only will you be more willing to try every toothpicked sample, but most markets also have some pretty delicious, semi-healthy food stands.