From farm to table.

That's a popular phrase that makes anything it's referring to sound better. You just know that honey straight from a nearby farm is going to taste amazing. The same goes for any of the plentiful produce waiting for you at a farmers market.

Freshness is what makes farmers markets attractive. Most of the food you'll find there has been picked at the peak of its freshness and flavor. If you like peaches from the grocery store, you're going to love peaches from the farmers' market.

And if you have a picky produce eater at home, taking him or her to a farmers market may change everything. Surrounded by a festive atmosphere and vendors offering free tastes of things like gleaming golden raspberries or juicy purple pluots, your picky eater is bound to bite into something that triggers a smile.

Here are some tips for getting the most from your trip to the farmers market:

Go early. You may not need to be among the first arrivals for a weekday market, but weekend markets get busy fast. If you arrive too late, the best pickings may be gone.

Bring cash and reusable bags. Transactions will go easier if you have a pocket of small bills. Plus, you need sturdy bags to carry your items home.

Talk to the vendors. The sellers want to talk about their fruits, veggies, jellies and jams. Ask for buying and storing tips. They can often give you recipe ideas too.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics