My tips for market shopping
When I first moved to France and learned the names of
of fruit and vegetables, and brushed up on my French market lingo – a whole world of culinary adventures opened up.
Et voila
, here I am today! My new book (
for a sneak peek!) is due out in October, and the new recipes were inspired by my travels around regional France. I visited
and fabulous
during my road trips to research the book – so I thought I’d share some of my market shopping tips.
1. Invest in a good basket or market trolley, and bring your own shopping bags. I try to always keep a cotton bag in my handbag, just in case I end up at the market or a little producer on my way home. Nothing more frustrating than lugging fragile paper bags or plastic bags on the walk home from the tube or metro. Canvas bags are more comfortable to carry than plastic bags – kinder on your hands and the environment.
Love this baguette bag :)
2. Give yourself enough time. Rushing around a busy and bustling marketplace doesn't equate to a stress-free shopping experience. If you’re rushed and short on time you won’t enjoy yourself, and you'll struggle to stay in a good headspace to look out for bargains.
3. Take a shopping list – but be ready to be spontaneous. Some of my most memorable meals have been inspired by random ingredients that I’ve stumbled across at my local market. Buying your produce at a market is the perfect opportunity to get creative with your cooking, and to discover new ingredients. Reach for sheep milk yoghurt, try out new spices, or buy a vegetable that you've never heard of before.
My local market in Belleville, Paris
4. Less is more. After several years of learning the ropes at markets all across Paris, I’ve come to discover that it’s always best to err on the side of caution – and don’t go crazy and buy too much. And if you realise that you’ve been a little overzealous with your purchases – give the produce away to a neighbour so the food doesn't go to waste!
5. Brush up on your seasonal produce. If you spy cherries at the market in the off season – steer clear, no matter how tempting they may look. Always try to opt for in-season produce. Here’s a good seasonal produce calendar.
Lovely seasonal produce (check out the purple basil)
6. Get down to business early. Try and get to the market when it first opens – to avoid crowds (especially in popular Parisian markets or busy tourist hubs like the Borough Markets in London). Tick things off your shopping list, then meet up with friends for a morning coffee or brunch.
7. Be prepared in summer. During hot weather, bring along a cool pack for dairy products and perishables.
Happy shopping! And if your shopping habits are more sartorially inclined and if you need a break from food shopping, here are my tips for vintage shopping in France.
