From Farm to Garden: Exploring Local DMV Farmers' Markets
Anne Arundel Farmers' Market: Inspiration for Garden Enthusiasts
In his essay entitled The Pleasure of Eating, Wendell Berry wrote that eating responsibility starts with the simple proposition that eating is an agricultural act, and encouraged people to get to know the farmers who farm the land responsibly and lovingly. As a gardener, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good farmers market as a key resource for your garden. And I’m lucky to have found in a relative proximity the Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market. Located on the outskirts of Annapolis, the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market is a highlight of my week. I can safely say, after years of research that I have found a farmers’ market that reminds me of the atmosphere and quality of produces of my native France. For a gardener or a would-be gardener, it is a key source of inspiration, education, information and quality supplies for your garden.
Created more than four decades ago and self-governed by a board composed of farmers who sell at the market, the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market began as a modest gathering of local farmers and artisans who came together to sell their goods directly to the community. Over time, this grassroots initiative gained popularity and evolved into a beautiful and thriving place where farmers and producers could connect with authenticity-hungry consumers, fostering a sense of community and sustainability. Every Saturday morning from April 1st to New Year’s Eve, every Sunday morning all year long and every Wednesday evening from May 10 to Thanksgiving, Anne Arundel County Farmer’s Market is a place where Maryland’s farmland expresses its best.
One of the market's highlights is the diverse array of producers that set up shop every market day. Here are a few standout vendors that I personally enjoy:
1. Blades Orchard (@drinkmorecider): Whether you want to get nice crisp, tart apples to eat with your breakfast or firm apples for your tarte tatin, Blades Orchard also produces wonderful peaches, local honey and dry and sweet cider to quench your thirst with a taste of local apples.
2. P.A. Bowen Farmstead (@pabowenfarmstead): Known for their creamy raw farm-fresh milk, P.A. Bowen Farmstead also provides a selection of award-winning artisanal cheeses, woodland pork and pasture-raised beef and chicken. Owned by Geoffrey Morell and Sally Fallon-Morell, the author of best-selling essay and cookbook Nourishing Traditions, among other nourishing books, PA Bowen Farmstead holds a very special place in my heart as I have been processing chickens there every Wednesday for three consecutive seasons. Illustrating the farmers’ dedication to the tradition of animal husbandry, each week, the farm stand names the cows who supplied the milk.
3. Oksana's Produce (@oksanasproduce2013): The go-to stand for fermented and pickled vegetables (I particularly love Oksana’s pickled carrots salad and her Kimchi) Oksana's Produce Farm is one of the best farm-stands I know in the US to find rare heirloom vegetables such as the candy roaster squash I bought yesterday, as well as farm-eggs and tasty and nutritious greens. Oksana also hosts wonderful on-farm dinners in her beautiful farm in very charming Chestertown, one of the most beautiful towns on the Chesapeake’s Upper Eastern Shore.
4. Mise En Place Farm (@miseenplacefarm): For those who appreciate fresh herbs, tasty peppers, delicious greens such as their pea shoots and micro greens, Mise En Place Farm is the go-to place for fresh ginger and gourmet “farm to taco” made with ingredients from the producers present at Anne Arundel County Farmer’s Market. Like several farmers present in Anne Arundel Farmers, Mise en Place farm is a small compost driven, no till farm using regenerative sustainable agriculture methods. Taste their microgreens or their ginger and you will understand what difference it makes.
5. Floating Lotus Farmstead (@floatinglotusfarmstead): Born and raised in Anne Arundel County, young farmer Adam Cottrell is one of the most talented farmers I know, having had the chance to work with him in the spring of 2022. With his Canadian-born wife Jocelyne, Adam leveraged his gardening skills to create a thriving farm in less than a decade. Despite having gone from a few acres to over 20 acres, his produces remain as tasty as they are sustainably farmed and make me feel like in my native country of France. Cooked with a sparkling water finish, his carrots are unmatched, his spinach taste like heaven and I won’t get potatoes anywhere else to saute in duck fat.
6. Phog by the Bay (@phog_by_the_bay_): Another producer giving me a taste of France, Phog by the Bay has the most original jams made with carefully selected fruits. Her cherry bourbon jam is an addictive delicacy and her raspberry jam as a coulis on a homemade panna cotta is simply a delight.
And Many More: The Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market is home to numerous other vendors, each offering unique products. From artisanal bread and pastries to handcrafted soaps and candles, there's always something new to discover.
The Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market holds a special place in my heart for several reasons:
1. A Taste of Home: This market evokes fond memories of the farmers' markets back in my home country, France. It captures the essence of those markets with its lively atmosphere, fresh produce, and friendly vendors.
2. Community and Connection: Beyond the exceptional products, the market fosters a strong sense of community. It's a gathering place where neighbors come together to catch up, share stories, and support the sustainable Maryland farmland. The camaraderie among shoppers and vendors is something truly unique.
3. Seasonal Delights: The market's offerings change with the seasons, ensuring that each visit is a unique experience. From the vibrant colors of spring and summer to the comforting flavors of fall and winter, the market adapts to the time of year and is a perfect place to teach your children about eating seasonal food.
4. Supporting Local Farmers: Shopping at the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market means supporting local farmers and artisans. It plays a vital role in sustaining the local agricultural community, ensuring that small-scale producers thrive.
Exploring the Market by Season
One of the joys of visiting the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market is witnessing how it transforms throughout the year. Each season brings new delights to the market:
Spring: Spring ushers in an array of fresh produce, including early greens, asparagus, and herbs. It's a time of renewal, with flowering plants and seedlings available for those eager to start their gardens. In the spring, this is where you will find the best seedlings in the region at a very competitive price compared to garden centers.
Summer: Summer is the season of abundance at the market. Ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, and luscious berries and fruits are in abundance. It's the perfect time for outdoor gatherings, and the market's fresh offerings are essential for summer meals.
Fall: As autumn — my favorite season — arrives, the market shifts its focus to apples, pumpkins, and winter squash, and back to greens. The aromas of freshly baked pastries, gourmet tacos and coffee create a cozy atmosphere, making fall a favorite season for many shoppers.
Winter: Even in the colder months, the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market remains open on Saturdays until new year’s eve and on Sunday all year long. Shoppers can find hearty root vegetables, artisanal bread, and other winter essentials. It's a testament to the market's commitment to serving the community year-round.
Community and Sustainability
The Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market is more than just a place to shop; it embodies sustainability and community engagement in various ways:
1. Reducing Food Miles: By supporting local farmers and producers, shoppers reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance food transportation. Buying local benefits both the environment and the local economy.
2. Supporting Small Businesses: Many vendors at the market are small, family-owned businesses. Shopping here directly contributes to the success of these producers in a cut-throat competitive market.
3. Education and Outreach: With a presence of master gardeners from the University of Maryland’s Extension, the market is a great place to get free gardening tips and learn about sustainable farming practices, seasonal cooking, and food preservation. These opportunities enable the community to learn and grow together.
4. Zero-Waste Initiatives: Several vendors at the market are dedicated to reducing waste. They employ eco-friendly packaging and practices, contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market is more than just a place to buy groceries; it's a community gathering spot that celebrates local farmland, promotes sustainability, and offers a diverse array of fresh, seasonal delights. This is a major resource for your garden and a great opportunity to connect with the community of people who lovingly farm our land, support local businesses, and savor the flavors of Maryland’s farmland. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of this charming farmers' market for yourself.