A now-peeling sunburn may be telling you that spring break is over, but spring itself is just beginning. This wonderful time of the year means afternoons on Copley lawn and cherry blossoms, but most importantly, it means the start of the farmers’ market season. All year round you can visit the tourist trap that is Eastern Market, but only in the springtime do the farmers come to you.
Every Sunday morning producers from all around the area get up early and bring their edible wares to the parking lot behind the Dupont Circle PNC bank. Any longing for my hometown market almost disappears every time I walk through the crowd inspecting the food and tasting everything I can.
Though the regular season doesn’t start until April 2, there are plenty of vendors to visit, like the folks from Black Rock Orchards who drive nearly two hours to offer their wide variety of apples, pears and other fruit. Across from them is the Gardeners’ Gourmet stall with heirloom vegetables and organic salad fixings. Broccoli, onions, mushrooms, potatoes and even flowers can be found at the many other produce booths.
Several bakeries also sell at market. Atwater Bread has a large selection of savory and sweet crusty loaves in different sizes. They even have cookies and homemade granola that makes a perfect hardy breakfast. For those with a sweet tooth, Bonaparte Bread serves up traditional French pastries and baguettes. Best of all, your food comes with an accent; the owners are from Normandy.
Dairy farmers make their fair showing too. Firefly Farms specializes in goat cheese and their Meadow Chevre spread is amazing and perfect on some of Atwater’s focaccia. You can also find a large assortment of cow’s milk cheeses, milk, eggs, fresh yogurt and even ice cream from the other vendors like Blue Ridge Dairy and Keswick Creamery.
With as many as 30 farmers during the height of the season, the Dupont market offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a budding chef, or just a hungry student looking to procrastinate, there’s no better way to get fresh food than visiting a local market. To further whet your appetite and to check for other markets in the area check out http://www.freshfarmmarkets.org, but whatever you do, get out there and enjoy the fruits of the season.
