Produce - vegetables - are the most exciting thing to me. The constant evolution of the greenmarket-chef relationship is something that makes it very exciting to work in a restaurant kitchen and see what comes through.

 Mario Batali

There is something inspiring about shopping for fresh produce at an outdoor market. At least for me, what comes to mind is strolling the streets of an old European village, searching for the best vegetables and fruits that the local growers have to offer. Sniffing, touching, and in some cases, tasting each prospective purchase. Then, considering what would be the best way to use the produce I purchase.

Maybe I've romanticized the process a bit, but I challenge anyone to stroll through the local farmers' market, and then walk through the produce department of their local supermarket, even with the manufactured mist and thunderstorms, and tell me that they get the same feeling.

I've purchased farmers' market new potatoes from the Adirondacks, tomatoes from New Jersey , cranberries from Massachusetts , and chilies from New Mexico . Years later, I don't remember the souvenir sweat shirts, books, and posters I may have picked up at each location, but I do remember the special "taste" of each place I visited - the best they had to offer.

So what can you expect from your typical "farmers' market"? Typically, one can find vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, breads, jams, cheeses, juices, honey, local specialty foods, and crafts at a local farmers market. So, why do people go to farmers markets for these items rather than to their local grocery store? There are a number of reasons . to obtain fresh produce, directly from the farm, to obtain organic and pesticide-free produce, to support the local farming community, and to support the local community. Sometimes, the prices at a farmers' market are cheaper than at supermarket, but this is not always the case. Though, you can not always put a price tag on the return on your investment when shopping at a farmers' market.

The philosophy behind farmers' markets has changed over the years - farmers used to think of farmers' markets as an adjunct to their business - a weekend activity to supplement the main income of the farm. Today, farmers markets are no longer a place for large corporate growers to dump excess produce. It is now more about small farming outfits having found a way to compete in an increasingly difficult and ultra competitive business. Small-scale producers are using farmers' markets as a way to develop their products and marketing skills in order to eliminate the costs of being a wholesale producer. Retailing directly to the public has given some small-scale farmers a new outlook while bringing communities closer.

So, where are these farmers' markets?

Anthem
The Outlets at Anthem
TBA: Spring only.

Town of Carefree
Carefree Farmers Market - Fridays and Saturdays
Location: Carefree Town Center , corner of Easy Street and Ho-Hum Way
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1p.m.
Features: fresh, local, seasonal produce; herbs and flowers; locally made jams, jellies and salsas; fresh baked breads. Demonstrations by chefs from Valley restaurants.
Good to know: Free admission, free adjacent parking.

Cave Creek
Cave Creek Farmers Market - Saturdays, all year
Location: Fandango Restaurant, 632 E. Cave Creek Road , Cave Creek.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Features: all-organic farmers market with 20 to 25 vendors, Alaskan seafood, homemade pasta, jam, jelly, rustic breads, organic eggs, tamales, jewelry, plants, gifts, gift baskets, and more.

Phoenix
Roadrunner Park Farmers Market - Saturdays, all year
Location: Northeast Phoenix, near Paradise Valley, 3515 E. Cactus Rd. between Freeway 51 & 36 th Street, Phoenix
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon (winter hours - October through April), 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. (summer hours - May through September)
Features: local farm produce including fresh vegetables and fruit, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, nursery stock, hand-crafted items.
Good to know: Roadrunner Park includes a large children's playground with play equipment, a fishing pond, ducks and geese on premises, a Junior Motorcross track, swimming pool, soccer fields. Free admission and free parking.

Scottsdale
Promenade Saturday Market
Location: Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Features: About 20 vendors who sell their wares underneath white umbrellas. They offer a variety of items including farm-fresh, handpicked produce, baked goods, breads, pies, European pastries, cakes, brownies, desserts, specialty foods and gourmet pet treats. Cheese, wine, candies, nuts, gourmet baskets, artisan-made goods including home furnishings, jewelry, apparel, toys, body care, flowers, plants, and garden accessories.
The Market at DC Ranch -- Saturdays
Location: 20715 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Features: live entertainment every week; a European-style, open-air market with fresh produce, flowers, fresh-baked breads, tamales, artwork, artisan jewelry, home accents, gourmet chocolates, children's clothing, dog treats, and gift baskets.

Will this be your first "Farmers Market" experience? Here are some tips to get you through like a pro!

1. Leave your list at home
Because of the changing seasons, and availability, you might not always find what you set out to buy. View your farmers' market experience as a totally different experience than supermarket shopping. You should go with a completely different mindset. This is not the type of trip you want to make when you have dinner guests coming in an hour and you need one ingredient in particular to complete the meal you've planned on. Instead, get creative and plan your weekly menu from your market finds.

Compare before you buy. If you're going to a market that has more than one grower, don't just buy from the first vendor you see - another grower might have the same item, only cheaper and/or better tasting!

2. Talk to the farmers
Ask questions as you stop by the tables of each grower. Growers can offer you tips on preparing and keeping your food fresh, suggest recipes, and educate you about the food you eat. If you build a rapport with the farmer, he may even offer you special deals or treats.

3. Bring your own bags
While most growers provide bags, you won't find shopping carts at the markets. Try bringing several sturdy, easy-to-carry, bags and baskets with you.

4. True Arizonans know .
A hot car can ruin your fresh fruits and vegetables. If the market is a long drive from your home, or if you have more than one stop that day, plan ahead. Make the market your last errand or bring a cooler along to keep your produce fresh until you arrive home.

5. Don't be shy
If you don't see an item you're looking for, ask the grower about it. Some growers can do special produce orders.