Things I didn't try early on: Farmer's markets

My first 12 months in Japan were spent in downtown Tokyo, before moving out to the Tokyo suburbs for three years, and then to Niigata ever since. It wasn't really until I lived out here that I got into Farmer's markets, because we've got one in walking distance from my house.

I love it for a few reasons, the reasonable prices being just one of them. It really helps you to get a feel for what's in season, and I think that helps with a lot, especially meal planning and budgeting. It also means you're getting the freshest stuff possible, and I think it always tastes noticeably better when that's the case!

Where do you typically buy your fruit and veg? Do you have a farmer's market nearby?