Farmers markets provide a direct route between the farm and the consumer. Held in central locations, farmers markets most often enable people to buy the highest quality and freshest produce available as it is generally picked the day of the market.

Farmers markets in the United States began as a continuation of the European markets. In Europe, farmers brought their products to town in order to sell them to the city-dwellers. That tradition continues today throughout the United States.

It's a very rare occasion that a farmers market vendor will not take the time to answer questions about his product. Do you prefer organically-grown produce? Ask the farmer. He may not have a government certificate due to the cost, but follows sustainable, organic practices.

While regulations vary from state to state, the most common requirement is that vendors grow or produce what they sell. This requirement is what brings many customers to the farmers markets - there are no middlemen and the products are sold at their peak of freshness.