Allergies notwithstanding, late spring and early summer is my favorite time of year for many reasons– one of them being the proliferation of fresh produce at my local farmer’s market. Strawberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots… a cornucopia of fruit, that threaten to turn me into a temporary fruitarian.
Lest you think all I eat at this time of year are items you’d find in a fruit salad, there are tons of other types of fruits out there: cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplant come readily to mind. These vegetable-fruits are great for salads, grilled vegetables (kabobs, yum!), picnics, and other meals.
While I could buy all of my food in one fell sweep at the local supermarket, I choose to buy my non-perishables and base materials (rice, pasta, etc.) at the store, and save my produce purchases for the farmer’s market. Living in the city, it can be difficult sometimes to find a good farmer’s market, but here in L.A., there are several, including the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market- a four-block smorgasbord of stalls. When I lived in DC, occasionally I would go down to Eastern Market, but I was not as attuned to the glories of fresh produce when I was younger, alas. These days there appear to be quite a few farmer’s markets around the DC area (see here as well). So, I’m curious: when you get that craving for a piece of fresh fruit, where do you shop? Is there a particular farmer’s market in DC and environs I should be aware of the next time I’m in town?
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I think the quality of produces you find at Whole Foods isn’t bad at all. Having never been to a farmer’s market in the DC area (never took the time to look for one), I can’t really say if the quality of the products is superior to that of Whole Foods. But the fact that all WF products are organic and naturally-grown (without all those chemicals, pesticides, etc.) does bring some peace of mind when eating…
There’s a pretty decent market near the Dupont Q St Metro exit on Sunday mornings. Pretty fun to be able to walk by the various booths and eat samples of apples and cheeses you never knew existed.
I think Eastern Market might have one on Saturdays too but I’ve never been.
Life’s short! I’d rather to eat animals than being vegan-nut!
People Eating Tasty Animals! (PETA)
I’m with Evans - farmer’s market fruits are the best. Yesterday I happily munched on peaches and nectarines from my local market.
While they aren’t exactly in the DC area, there are several fantastic farmer’s markets on the eastern shore. If you go to Ocean City or Rehoboth Beach, be sure to stop by a few of them on your way back.
I suggest that you can go to Farmers Market in Old Town Alexandria. It is usually held every Saturday from 5am to 10am. You can have free samples of different fruits, vegetables and edible food.
Mm. I’ll have to try the Dupont/Q Street and Old Town Alexandria markets then– especially since I usually stay in Alexandria when I’m in town (hotels in DC are $$$ and MD and VA are slightly easier on my budget!).
Thanks for the tips. :)
Animals Lover, I’m *definitely* not a vegan! I merely love this time of year, because of all the fresh fruits/veggies. Perhaps you can suggest a good place in DC to get a nice, juicy burger? Here in L.A. I’ve searched for great burgers, from Astro Burger to the Apple Pan to The Counter (and will try Father’s Office soon), but unfortunately in DC I never really got beyond Wendy’s down the street from Gally, the Hawk & Dove, and Fuddrucker’s on the Rockville Pike. Any suggestions?
What about Five Guys?
http://www.fiveguys.com/
Best burgers I’ve tasted in DC, bar none.
I agree. I think it’s the only time a burger nearly made me cream my pants. It’s that good.
Hamburger Hamlet still alive and well in Georgetown?
Don’t know about Georgetown, but it’s still alive and well in Bethesda.
There are several farms (such as Bulters Orchard) where you can pick strawberries and pay by the pound. Much more fun than browsing through markets.
Used to live on Dupont Circle and went to Farmer Market every Sunday. It is the best to buy from and they are from farms from NC, VA, WV, PA, MD and others. Amazing and great fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, flowers, bread and jelly, etc….
Awesome comment David! Did you know that food travels on average of 1,500 to 2,500 from farm to your plate? Think about it. But with farmers markets, the food has just been harvested, brought maybe within 200 at the most, and tastes far better than plastic-like produce at large grocers. Although I’m a big fan of organic foods, the fact that most are shipped from some far away land can be counterproductive. Better yet, ask the farmer at the market if he/she uses organic farming practices. Keep on supporting the local farmers….most of them are not using big tax dollars like the corporate agriculture industry!
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