How to do your shopping at the weekly market
In the Middle Ages and beyond, weekly markets were the best and usually the only place to buy everyday necessities. Local traders showed off their wares so that people could buy exactly what they wanted. The concept hasn’t changed at all, but it can be a little disconcerting for some people. The main reason for this is our shopping behaviour. The supermarket has everything you need, all the time. Yet a stroll round your weekly market is worth it. You just need to get used to it.
Why shop at a weekly market in the first place?
At a market, you can be sure that the produce you buy is local, fresh and usually untreated. Also, the selection of fruit and vegetables is often much more varied. The origins of meat and other animal products are usually more transparent too. It's true that you can get fresh, regional, fairly traded products in normal shops as well, but not always. But these are by no means the only advantages of markets. We’ll talk more about them later. First it's time to make a plan.
Write a shopping list
The principle of a weekly market is simple: it's local and seasonal. You won't find any tomatoes there in December, just as you're unlikely to find any exotic fruit in the summer. So it's important to find out what's in season beforehand. Think about what you want to cook or what stocks are running low at home. That way you can go shopping with an objective in mind, which is the biggest step to start you off.
Timing your trip to the market
You first need to find out where there’s a market. You can usually find details on your municipality website. Nearly every town has a market, though if you live in the countryside, you might have to travel a bit. Saturday is one of the most popular days. Markets start very early, often at 6 a.m. If you want the whole selection, get there early too. It's first come first served. Many sellers reduce their prices towards the end of the market. So it's also a good time to go for bargains
Let yourself be served and pay in cash
Shopping at a market stall works differently from in the supermarket. It isn't generally self-service. You tell the seller what you'd like and get it once you’ve paid for it. A small local farm will probably only take cash, so have enough ready in your wallet. Twint is now also often accepted, but card payments are rare.
Optimise your logistics
At a market, products are generally sold unpackaged. So think about how you're going to carry your shopping. It's useful to have a bag or a rucksack. Depending on what's on your shopping list, you can also take empty containers and bottles, egg cartons, things to keep products cool and so on. And when you've finished your meticulous planning, leave a little room for other things that aren't at the top of your list. You can really slow down at the market.
Leave your watch behind and enjoy the moment
A visit to the market is both an experience and an opportunity to meet socially. Take your time and let yourself be inspired by what's on offer. Take a look at the other stalls that you don't have to necessarily go to and stop and chat to other shoppers and sellers. And very importantly, a stroll around the market (almost) always includes a coffee break in a nearby café.
