Chef Rob Rees MBE offers some advice.

So how do we go about using the best of local produce on our plate? The practical demonstrations at Stroud Farmers Market have really helped to bring things alive and celebrate the distinct flavours. Its quite simple. Just by shopping for produce at a local farmers' market you are already improving the value of your supper or lunch. You are cooking with the seasons and produce is at its best when in season. By purchasing fresh at the appropriate time of the year you are naturally increasing the nutritional and vitamin content of your diet - not just the flavour!

Most of the "artisan" items for sale at markets already have great flavours so be sure when you do cook with them not to over complicate matters with spicy sauces or strange cooking methods. Always stick to what you know you can do. Look for the cheaper cuts of meats that in winter time can become absorbing of flavours - such as braised shoulder of lamb with red onions, stuffed old spot trotters with aromatic lentils or poached stewing beef with garlic mustard and leek sauce. Traditional cuts really make you want to dig out the old style cooking books and indulge.

It's always a good idea to turn up at a Farmers Market with a completely blank menu. Never write a shopping list but "go with the flow", see what's there and enjoy your shopping. Ask questions of the trader. Try a few tasters here and there and bring back part of the fun of cooking. Some of the vegetables are somewhat soily if you're used to the supermarket, but feel welcome to get in amongst the stalls, touch the vegetables, smell the freshness and often underneath all that dirt you will find some quite different vegetables. Items such as salsify, jerusalem artichokes and varieties of squashes can be daunting - but never fear there is always plenty of help and tips on hand from the vendor. The flavour of such produce will always shine through.

In summer months markets offer an amazing array of items. Beautiful fresh salad leaves and classics like little gems abound. Cheeses are always in full supply-again its always best to have a taster before purchasing. Think of combining cheeses in cooked dishes such as quiches, lasagnes or welsh rarebit as well as simply with oatmeal biscuits and award-winning Chutneys.

Food is more than just a fuel. It needs to be fun and by shopping at the markets it certainly becomes that. Just enjoy everything about it that's on offer. Take home your shopping and do your own ready steady cook with it - by going local you will never fail.