Top chefs swear by these 8 farmers' market staples – they're the secret to transforming even the simplest summer dishes, and they're in season right now

When it comes to fresh produce, chefs know that the secret to standout seasonal dishes starts at the farmers' market. Yes, it may require a little more planning (and sometimes a higher budget), but the reward – peak flavor, unbeatable freshness, and a direct connection to the growers – makes all the difference. After all, your summer salad recipes deserve nothing less.

I wasn’t always convinced. But now, I look forward to slow Saturday mornings at the market, gathering bunches of fresh herbs and perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes for my go-to summer pasta recipe, chatting with farmers along the way.

‘The farmers’ market is where great cooking begins,’ says Ryan Fancher, Executive Chef of Piadina and Ox + Anchor at Hotel San Luis Obispo. ‘You’re not just buying ingredients; you’re connecting with the people who grow them. That insight – what’s in peak season, what was just harvested – helps me cook in a way that truly honors the ingredient.’

8 farmers' market staples to elevate your meals

Curious about what to buy? I asked top chefs to share their favorite farmers' market finds – and how they use them to transform even the simplest dishes.

1. Stone fruit

'We're constantly seeking the best fruit possible for our business,' say Sean and Melissa McGaughey, owners of Troubadour Bread & Bistro in Healdsburg, California. 'We buy entirely too much stone fruit during the 6-week peak season each year – but given our location, the farm and orchard fruits available at markets are 10 times better than commodity grocery store produce. The difference in flavor and quality is extraordinary.'

While there will always be plenty of fruit to look out for at the farmers' market, make sure to look out for plums: they're currently in season until early fall. 'Plums are my favorite at our local farmers market because there are so many varieties,' reflects Nate Kargman, Executive Sous Chef at Viceroy Snowmass, Colorado. 'Buying directly from farmers supports the local economy, reduces your carbon footprint by cutting out packaging and long-distance transport, and lets you build relationships with the people who grow your food.'

2. Tomatoes

Whether you're whipping up an impressive sauce or a simple side dish, there's nothing more versatile than a fresh tomato. (My go-to recipe is a tomato salad with honey-smoked salt and lavender; it's bursting with flavor, but it's so easy to make.) And while grocery store tomatoes are dependable, they just can't compare to peak-season farmers market finds.

'My favorite farmers market tomatoes are so sweet and flavorful that they barely need anything more than a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt,' says Ryan.

'During market season, we make bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches regularly because the tomatoes are so exceptional,' adds Sean. 'You simply cannot get that kind of quality from commercial sources.'

3. Herbs

If you don't have a herb garden, then a farmer's market is the next best option.

Shopping for herbs at the farmers market can feel slightly overwhelming, but it's a brilliant way to stock up on freshly-picked produce that can last for weeks to come.

'In the spring and summer, I recommend not just picking up fresh herbs, but small pots that you can plant at home and use throughout the season,' advises Chef Anthony Chittum of Iron Gate Restaurant in Dupont Circle, D.C. 'The same goes for garlic and other seasonal alliums. You can't get these year-round at farmers markets, but when they're in season, they're so much fresher than grocery store equivalents.'

The real joy of the farmers' market, of course, is the chance to get your hands on produce that you just can't find anywhere else. 'I hunt for one specific ingredient at farmers markets: chocolate mint,' says Chef Melvin 'Boots' Johnson, owner of Harlem Biscuit Company. 'I use it to prepare a homemade lemonade recipe inspired by my grandmother from Arkansas. It's not easy to find this type of mint in grocery stores – even in New York City – but I buy it from a market in Harlem on Saturdays.'

4. Dried fruit

While I love checking out the fruit and vegetables at farmers' markets, I never realized just how many pantry staples I could find, including dried fruit.

'We source high-quality dried fruit at farmers' markets for both snacking and cooking,' says Sean. 'It can elevate simple dishes when you don't have fresh ingredients on hand – we like to add them to rice pilaf for depth and sweetness. Melissa also uses dried fruit in galettes, as well as incorporating it into bread recipes for natural sweetness and texture.'

5. Honey

Your grocery store shelves may be stocked with honey and maple syrup, but nothing compares to the small-batch versions you’ll find at the farmers' market.

‘Fresh, local honey cannot be beaten by any store-bought commercial product,’ says chef Anthony. ‘The same goes for maple syrup – there’s just no comparison.’

Whether you're drizzling honey over pancakes at brunch or glazing bacon with syrup (my go-to ever since learning how to cook bacon in the oven), these farm-sourced sweeteners bring deeper flavor and a touch of something truly special to even the simplest dishes.

6. Berries

Though I usually head to the farmers' market in search of herbs and heirloom tomatoes, I can never resist picking up a carton of fresh berries.

‘My local market sells amazing berries that I’ll fold into desserts or serve simply with fresh cream,’ says chef Ryan Fancher.

What could be more effortlessly delicious for summer? I like to use mine for a dinner party favorite: crisp meringue with cherry and apricot compote – simple, seasonal, and always a hit.

7. Turnips

I’ll admit, turnips aren’t the first thing I reach for at the farmers’ market – but that might be about to change.

According to Nate Lindsay, Executive Chef of SLO Provisions, these hardy root vegetables are a true unsung hero.

‘I love to use them raw in a salad, pickle them for later, and roast them with other veggies,’ he says. Their subtle sweetness and earthy flavor add depth to a wide range of dishes, and they’re especially good when paired with bright herbs or a tangy vinaigrette.

Next time you spot a bunch of baby turnips at your local market, don’t pass them by – they’re far more versatile than you might think.

8. Nuts

Another pantry staple worth picking up at the farmers’ market? Fresh, locally produced nuts.

‘Just like dried fruit, artisan nuts from local growers make excellent snacks and incredibly versatile ingredients for cooking,’ says chef Sean Bogle. ‘The quality and freshness you’ll find at a farmers’ market are miles ahead of what’s typically available in grocery stores.’

From sprinkling over salads to baking into breads and desserts, they’re a simple upgrade that adds flavor and crunch to so many dishes.

Shop farmers market essentials

Such frequent trips to the farmers market mean I'm always thinking about new ways to use fresh produce – including pickling vegetables for sauces and sides. I love using the handy Weck jar hosting hack to store pickled ingredients.