Although the range of vegetables and fruit in the supermarket could certainly be described as diverse and varied, it is clear that freshness often means something else. Much of it is hauled in from far away, sold even past its expiration date, and thus looks anything but appetizing. While some discount stores only check their vegetables once a day and continue to offer even sorted-out goods, you can safely aim to buy fruit and vegetables at the weekly market. Above all, because products from the local area are usually offered here. This promotes the local economy AND protects the environment, as long journeys by truck or similar are eliminated.
Shopping at the market as an alternative to the impersonal supermarket
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Here you can find freshly harvested fruit and attractive vegetables in numerous variations. The customer always receives the best fruits and vegetable varieties and can also actively participate in the selection. Is it like that in the supermarket? In most cases, the consumer practically has to fight with other buyers for the best pieces. Only rarely does the purchase turn out to be satisfactory; the goods must be examined for mold or bruises, and it is not uncommon for the purchase to end in disgust when reaching for a spoiled piece of vegetable. The merchant at the market meticulously checks every piece for blemishes or defects while putting together his offer and only displays his best goods for sale. The customer can convince themselves of the condition of the goods and is actively encouraged to buy. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are offered here, which also taste best at the appropriate time of year.
Sausage and fish products
Sausage or fish products also attract customers from afar. The goods are displayed decoratively, and the merchant often informs about new or seasonal offers. This is often combined with a sample so that new varieties can also be presented in a tasty way. In the supermarket, only the packaging and advertising appeal to the customer – this is cleverly declared as a sales strategy. If we remember commercials from radio and television, this can also contribute to an optimal reason for buying – but can we test the taste here in advance? Hardly: because according to the law, opening items binds the customer to purchase. Thus, one can apparently hope for a surprise at home. A market trader, on the other hand, does not need advertising – his live presentation of fresh, attractive, and aromatic goods speaks for itself and certainly appeals more to the customer in terms of marketing when shopping. The elaborate and environmentally harmful plastic packaging is also eliminated. Often, the purchased product can even be placed in your own bowls.
Flowers
But flower sellers are now also profitably displaying their goods at the weekly market. While we can only buy run-of-the-mill bouquets or ordinary potted plants in the supermarket, which sometimes lose their beauty and vitality the next day, the selection of fresh and healthy flowers at the market is much larger. Various pots full of fresh cut flowers are waiting to be tied into a handsome bouquet. You can also expect care tips and flower knowledge here, perhaps more so than in an impersonal supermarket.
The ambiance
Not to be underestimated, of course, is the personal and friendly conversation with the merchant. Along the way, nice acquaintances can be made, and perhaps one or two bargains can be found, because sometimes you can negotiate well here, whereas in the supermarket you are bound by non-binding price recommendations. Just shopping in the fresh air is certainly more fun for the weekly market visitor than pushing a bulky cart in front of you in stuffy shopping halls. In addition, you support the merchants and farmers in the area and thus promote the local economy. It doesn't have to be grapes from Chile.
Tips for a hassle-free shopping experience at the market:
- Bring cash – many do not accept ATM cards
- Bring a basket or cloth bag – so that unnecessary bags do not have to be used
- Shopping list – otherwise you buy more than you need – believe me, it happens to me all the time!
All in all, a market visit has more advantages and can certainly be more lucrative. Maybe it's worth checking out the next weekly market. Why not find out if there is a market in your area? Here in Gänserndorf, there is a fresh market every Friday afternoon that offers very good and fresh goods.
Read also: Shopping in Vienna’s city center
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
