52 replies to this topic

[squidsdc]

Has anyone been to the new Silver Spring Fresh Farm Market yet?

[squidsdc]

According to this link the market is at 3219 O St. NW. Is that where it was last year?

Berries are here
I have black raspberries, blueberries and a ton of strawberries awaiting me in my fridge. Hopefully the strawberries will make into a puree to freeze for the winter.

The other exciting find, which I didn't splurge on, were baby artichokes. They looked gorgeous, nice and tight. The same stand had purple cauliflower, as well as regular cauliflower. It's roasting time.

Which market had the baby artichokes? Those are so hard to find in the local stores in my area--we had to go shopping at Wegmans in Fairfax yesterday to get some! (and a few other things as well, of course)

I did get to SS market Sat morn, albeit late. Firefly was out of the ash covered chevre cheese I tasted and then yearned for, so I bought the blue for the time being. Not a substitue, just when comparing the two, the blue fades in the background. By itself, all I can say is HMMMMMMMMM.

I also bought baby new potatoes, fresh beets, mozzerella, basil and some cookies that were out of this world! They were an aside at the stand that was selling their breads, and I bought them to appease my hubby who patiently waited while I strolled about. But ...I will go back just to seek these out. Snicker Doodles, that taste like the ones my mom used to bake, and Molasses cookies like I've never had before. Who goes to a farmer's market and expects to get cookies?!

[perrik]

Is the Silver Spring FreshFarm market always so small? There were fewer than a dozen vendors this morning, and not much variety. I was in search of fruits and herbs, and there wasn't much to browse through. I brought hom a pint of raspberries, some lovely little apricots, and a bouquet of zinnias.

Is there a better market in MontCo? I used to hit the one at NIH, back when I worked there, but haven't been since they relocated.

[JPW]

Did a stop by at the Silver Spring Saturday market. They are going to have 10 vendors this year. Among them are: Atwater Bakery, Firefly Farms (their blue is effing awesome!), and another cheesemaker. Not much else of great interest was out. They are really hoping to find a poultry vendor.

[Heather]

We also stopped by the Silver Spring market. I was disappointed to hear that the Cedarbrook pork vender won't be there. They said they are actively looking for new meat vendors. Looks like our Saturday market will be Mt. Pleasant again this year.

[joncephine]

Today was my first trip to the SS market (I usually go to Takoma, but we're going to do the Post Hunt tomorrow ) and I have to say I was disappointed. I bought some pink ladies, and some spicy oregano (from the "last gentleman farmer in SS"), plus some of the Atwater's carraway rye, but I felt like I had to go to whole foods to finish my shopping, whereas at takoma, i feel like I'm ok for at least the rest of the day.

[marketfan]

Today was my first trip to the SS market (I usually go to Takoma, but we're going to do the Post Hunt tomorrow ) and I have to say I was disappointed. I bought some pink ladies, and some spicy oregano (from the "last gentleman farmer in SS"), plus some of the Atwater's carraway rye, but I felt like I had to go to whole foods to finish my shopping, whereas at takoma, i feel like I'm ok for at least the rest of the day.

It is still early in the season. They will have lots more week by week.

[Anna Blume]

It is still early in the season. They will have lots more week by week.

This is absolutely correct.

I helped out at this market for a few weeks until FFM managed to hire a permanent manager for this market: a terrific, enthusiastic person who is doing all sorts of wonderful things from what I understand, including filling in when there's no chef demo by showing Silver Spring how to cook ramps.

When I was there, I was told that at least 4-5 farms were not arriving until mid-May because they had little to nothing to sell. Especially in Pennsylvania, the growing season starts late. Some of these folk might have had to postpone their first arrival because we've had such a cold spring and many crops are not going to show up on schedule.

[Heather]

The Silver Spring market is much improved - 2-3 meat vendors, fresh eggs, a new pastry stand (Praline, from Bethesda), and several new fruit and veg stands. I picked up a chicken, Atwater sourdough, cilantro, and gorgeous tomatillos for salsa.

Unfortunately the best peaches were at a vendor I won't buy from, so a trip to Dupont Circle will be necessary tomorrow.

[hm212]

The Silver Spring market is much improved - 2-3 meat vendors, fresh eggs, a new pastry stand (Praline, from Bethesda), and several new fruit and veg stands. I picked up a chicken, Atwater sourdough, cilantro, and gorgeous tomatillos for salsa.

Unfortunately the best peaches were at a vendor I won't buy from, so a trip to Dupont Circle will be necessary tomorrow.

I got some very flavorful cheese that helped create an over the top mac n cheese tonight.

[hillvalley]

Checked out the market for the first time today because Odessa Piper was the demo chef. I didn't stick around long enough to try the end result, but she was grilling up greens and ramps to be paired with some sort of salami. The market is still small, but I was assured that it will grow by leaps and bounds as we get closer to summer.

Two exciting finds, that I haven't seen at any of the 6+ markets I frequent during the summer were a goat meat and soap stand and another stand selling micro greens at absurdly affordable prices. One container, your average smallish size, was $3.00. The only vendor who I've seen sell micro greens somewhat regularly is Sunnyside Farm at Dupont and are more expensive. I talked with the farmer (help AB-don't remember his name or stand) and he said he will have a variety micro greens all summer long.

If I were making, say, a ramp pizza on my grill, I'd throw a handful of these on top to finish it off. Yummmm.

[Heather]

Thanks HV for the reminder that the market is open. The goat vendor must be new, as I don't recall anyone like that last year.

[squidsdc]

The Gazette has a nice article about the SS Farmer's Market this week.

[Pool Boy]

We made our first foray to a farmers market for the season here. It's been tooooo long since we have hit a local farmers market. Going to one of these places it is terrible. YOU WANT TO BUY EVERYTHING.

So we got lots of stuff -- spring onions, various lettuces, cheese, some different breads, some still very thin looking asparagus, some baby zucchini, some eggs (gorgeous!), a nice chicken, yogurt, feta, and some catnip plants for the outdoor strays we look after. And I am sure I am forgetting something.

FUN!

[goodeats]

We made our first foray to a farmers market for the season here. It's been tooooo long since we have hit a local farmers market. Going to one of these places it is terrible. YOU WANT TO BUY EVERYTHING. <snip>

FUN!

Say "hi!" next time! Gebaby was one of the little ones playing at the fountain today. I agree about buying everything -- the zucchini blossoms at Spring Valley Farms(?) looked great! Probably have to head to Dupont tomorrow for a quick trip, as the fountain ended up being the main focus today. Except for a quick breakfast stop for gebaby; Praline's almond croissant ($2.50) hit the spot there for him. Although, for the stingy mom in me, the size compared to Bonaparte bakery's croissants for the same price pales in comparison.... However, the rising process (or the recipe?) for the 2 bakeries are different, so it was a nice change.

[Heather]

Praline's almond croissant ($2.50) hit the spot there for him. Although, for the stingy mom in me, the size compared to Bonaparte bakery's croissants for the same price pales in comparison.... However, the rising process (or the recipe?) for the 2 bakeries are different, so it was a nice change.

Can you explain what you mean?

I was very disappointed by the large presence of Spring Valley at the Silver Spring market last year. I hope the smaller produce vendors at SS up their selections this year, or I will continue to drive into Mt. Pleasant on Saturdays.

[Pool Boy]

Spring Valley was there in a large way and that is where a lot of people bought stuff, myself included. Is there an issue with their foodstuffs? I do prefer the smaller vendors just because, too.

[goodeats]

Can you explain what you mean?

Well, of course I can't find evidence of it now, but I vaguely recall reading somewhere, in some article that Bonaparte Breads uses a different recipe or rising process, where their croissant isn't the flaky type to which some people have grown accustom. Maybe I'm just blowing smoke....

[Anna Blume]

Can you explain what you mean?

I was very disappointed by the large presence of Spring Valley at the Silver Spring market last year. I hope the smaller produce vendors at SS up their selections this year, or I will continue to drive into Mt. Pleasant on Saturdays.

Can you explain what you mean?

Spring Valley happens to be run by a rather remarkable young couple. Biodiversity. Sustainable. I'm eating their stir-fry mix w beet greens from New Morning right now and neither suffers from the company.

It's been a while since I've gone to the SS market, but I seem to recall that Spiral Path Organic (188 acres vs. 146 at Spring Valley, only parts of which are farmed during a single season) or one of the others doesn't start participating until later in the season. Tomatoes, Etc. doesn't have its eponymous inventory and Quaker Valley shines again once raspberries and those little French melons you like stage a comeback.

Plus, there's incredible goat cheese ! And four-color eggs!

[Pool Boy]

Plus, there's incredible goat cheese ! And four-color eggs!

Those eggs are great!

[goodeats]

It's been a while since I've gone to the SS market, but I seem to recall that Spiral Path Organic (188 acres vs. 146 at Spring Valley, only parts of which are farmed during a single season) or one of the others doesn't start participating until later in the season.

Spiral Path was there last Saturday, very organized with their CSA shares in nicely-designed boxes. Has anyone done a share with them before?

[juliusc91]

I picked up a share a couple weeks ago for a friend who was out of town, and it was delicious and plentiful. They include a little newsletter, in which they admitted to buying two of the items in the box since they didn't have quite enough to fill it. I'm trying a new CSA this year but if I don't like it, I am going to switch to Spiral Path.

[Anna Blume]

Heads, up, everybody.

Do you know anyone who might be eligible for WIC, Food Stamps or Senior Farmers' Market Coupons?

Anyone who works with populations that might qualify, whether as an administrator, health care provider or educator?

Do you volunteer at community centers or places where you might get the word out?

Starting July 4, anyone eligible who has applied and received such forms of assistance can go to the market at H Street, NE or the FRESHFARM Market in Silver Spring, both held on Saturday mornings and receive twice the amount of food that these programs allow you to buy.

A grant has matched the value of WIC coupons, EBT and Senior coupons dollar-for-dollar. This means the $18 in coupons families receive from WIC in Maryland will be worth $36, etc. This may not seem like a lot, but every bit counts, and when EBT (food stamp tokens) is concerned, the value could potentially add up to a significant amount.

All the shopper needs to do is bring coupons or tokens to the Market Information table at either H Street or Silver Spring and they'll be given vouchers that will double value. Then, they bring both to farmers to pay for fresh (vs. prepared) foods.

It is almost summer and the food is coming into the markets in greater and greater quantities. It would be wonderful were greens, berries, squash, corn and tomatoes to find new homes. Only a fraction of eligible families and individuals learn about the program or bother to apply; as Ann Yonkers pointed out on Kojo's show yesterday, the rate of illiteracy in this region is only part of the problem.

So, anything you can do to get the word out is welcome!

For a story related to the grant see what Jane Black reports here.

[Anna Blume]

Tomorrow, November 28
New to Silver Spring: Nice Farms Creamery bringing milk and yogurt!

Four Seasons will not be there, though George will return with his beautiful wreaths, etc. next week
Blue Ridge Dairy will not be returning for the remainder of the year
Everona Dairy should be there with sheep's milk cheeses, etc.

The following Saturday, December 5
The market will move to accommodate some sort of Silver Spring community event. Stay tuned or check FRESHFARM Market's emailed newsletter for location.

Starting in 2010, on January 9
This will become a year-round farmers market.
During January through March, the market will open one hour later: 10 am through 1 pm

[Anna Blume]

The following Saturday, December 5
The market will move to accommodate some sort of Silver Spring community event. Stay tuned or check FRESHFARM Market's emailed newsletter for location.

During the annual Holiday Shop-N-Stroll devoted to gifty crafts, you can find all the FRESHFARM growers and producers (minus dairy this week) down at the Georgia Ave. end of Ellsworth, possibly in an "L" formation, stretching down the alleyway towards the parking garage. Chef at Market event features hot apple cider with Heinz's famous ginger.

[Anna Blume]

Please note that the subtitle of this thread has not been accurate for a couple of years.

The market is usually located between Fenton and Georgia Avenue now, running the length of Ellsworth that starts just after the alleyway that runs beside Red Rock (? the restaurant w the eternally lit flame), extending past DSW and Borders to the entrance of the Regal Majestic 20 movie theater on the right, and on the left, past Starbucks, Chipotle and Ben & Jerry's.

Because Silver Spring often closes this stretch down for community events, the market is sometimes relocated to the parking spots in front of Red Lobster (cultural anthropologists would have a field day w this description, though the litany of chains named here kind of reminds me of a trend in the fiction you read in The New Yorker during the late 70s-early 80s), etc., right off of Colesville and Georgia.

Other times, the market simply is relegated to a smaller portion of the same stretch of Ellsworth.

FYI: There was one shopper when the market opened this past Saturday since the day was about as miserable as it gets: chilling air, bleak skies and rain soaking you to the bone figuratively and to about the third layer of skin on about 57% of one's body, literally, only to be followed by big, sloppy snowflakes, slushy surfaces and the constant drip, drip of one's nose.

So, once more, I beg thee, Dear Reader, do not be such a wuss!

If you usually shop at outdoor markets, and your constitution is hardy enough to endure sleepless nights meeting deadlines or the demands of newborns; the rigors of the court, pavement or track; evenings on one's feet being pleasant to uncivilized diners or becoming buzzed and beyond until the wee hours of the night if not dawn, trust that you are strong enough to pick up a few vegetables, a little steak, a wedge of cheese and a loaf of bread outside in inclement weather.

It is on days like Saturday when farmers, bakers and the like need you the most.

[Anna Blume]

Snow clumps on pale cabbages,
Frosty kale, pears
Final day at market

Market cancelled. Will resume on January 9.

[Anna Blume]

Open tomorrow!

Silver Spring residents, come!

[Anna Blume]

Temperatures will be in the fifties and some of you live nearby and love meatballs, right?

Launching the year's Chef at Market demonstrations at around 11 AM, Odessa Piper will be preparing a variety with ground bison, goat, pork (and apple?), lamb (and roasted eggplant?) and beef (allspice?) from grass-fed animals raised on local farms.

Vegetarians may sniff the air and nibble slices of caramelized apple w cider-miso glaze.

Edited to entice.

[Anna Blume]

Komi at home?

Many Rocks is taking orders for kid one week in advance. $6 pound, average weight is 10 lbs.

[Anna Blume]

Ramps and asparagus this Saturday.

Check back for confirmation later, but Pedro Matamoros (8407 kitchen bar) is looking to make a second appearance this month on April 17 just because he's a ramp-fan and wants to take advantage of what might be a short season given the recent string of very hot days.

[juliusc91]

Morels too, but I didn't see the asparagus.

[hillvalley]

It was there-I forget what stand but it's the one that sells canned peaches. Ramps and asparagus were $5 a bunch, morels were $14 a box. There was also rhubarb and spring onions.

[Pool Boy]

There's usually a vendor at this market that sells chicken....are they there again this season? TIA.

[Anna Blume]

There's usually a vendor at this market that sells chicken....are they there again this season? TIA.

They're there now but the chickens aren't. No fresh chickens until May.

This market will continue to grow as the season does in two ways: The entire block will be filled from Georgia to Fenton to accommodate additional growers and producers.

Others will return at the end of the month through May, e.g. Spiral Path (and its CSA). New folk will include honey specialists.

[Anna Blume]

P.S. Pedro (chef 8407) will be back this upcoming Saturday to cook with ramps!

[Pool Boy]

They're there now but the chickens aren't. No fresh chickens until May.

This market will continue to grow as the season does in two ways: The entire block will be filled from Georgia to Fenton to accommodate additional growers and producers.

Others will return at the end of the month through May, e.g. Spiral Path (and its CSA). New folk will include honey specialists.

Crap! Any tips on where I can procure a locally raised chicken between now and Saturday morning? ACK!

[Anna Blume]

Crap! Any tips on where I can procure a locally raised chicken between now and Saturday morning? ACK!

Do you understand it's like asking about where you can get local strawberries before Saturday?

You can get frozen ones, but not fresh.

You know the expression, "You ain't no spring chicken?"

Spring's when it's warm enough for free-rangers to walk around outside eating grubs (and pecking one another, etc.). Evensong raises one breed for a restaurant that is best enjoyed as poussin or so-called Cornish since the time span between hatching and hatcheting is brief. Still, you gotta wait.

To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven.

In other words, Ecclesiastes wishes thou to eat bacon and cured meats with thy first bundles of asparagus.

[Pool Boy]

Do you understand it's like asking about where you can get local strawberries before Saturday?

You can get frozen ones, but not fresh.

You know the expression, "You ain't no spring chicken?"

Spring's when it's warm enough for free-rangers to walk around outside eating grubs (and pecking one another, etc.). Evensong raises one breed for a restaurant that is best enjoyed as poussin or so-called Cornish since the time span between hatching and hatcheting is brief. Still, you gotta wait.

To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven.

In other words, Ecclesiastes wishes thou to eat bacon and cured meats with thy first bundles of asparagus.

Yeah, I get it. Frozen is fine for this experiment. Ideally, we'll try this out with the locally raised fowl that has never been frozen, too. Too hard to reschedule this now.

[Anna Blume]

Yeah, I get it. Frozen is fine for this experiment. Ideally, we'll try this out with the locally raised fowl that has never been frozen, too. Too hard to reschedule this now.

Some other time we can discuss why frozen is your only option for most local meat purchased at the farmers market, but perhaps you've been reading about that, too. Most of the farmers around here have to send the animals they raise to be slaughtered and processed elsewhere to conform to USDA regulations.

[Anna Blume]

P.S. Pedro (chef 8407) will be back this upcoming Saturday to cook with ramps!

NOW, this post is accurate. The chef and Sean, his sous, rescheduled their appearance to April 24, 11 AM. Recipe: Shrimp w pickled ramps.

[Anna Blume]

Can't believe there's been nothing posted about this market since ramp season, but for those who are thinking of shopping here tomorrow:
Temporary Move on Account of Thanksgiving Parade:

Market will be held in the parking lot on corner of Georgia and Colesville in front of Panera Bread, known as The Gateway Plaza. 9 AM to 1 PM.

Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, apples, sausage & bread for stuffing...eggs for pie if you get there early enough, turkeys if you put in a special order, and pistachio-filled pain au chocolat just because.

Mr. Gabe will be there playing music.

***********
The following Saturday, November 27, there will be another free screening clinic for SNAP/EBT (food stamps) 9 am to 1 pm at the market when it returns to Ellsworth (in between Fenton and Georgia). A social worker and community activist with much experience at the Crossroads Market will be there to see if shoppers might be eligible; she can help complete applications for Montgomery County and set up interviews for Prince George's County. Through December 18, FRESHFARM Markets will match up to $10 EBT benefits when recipients shop at the market, that is, upon redeeming $10 EBT benefits at the Market Information table, shoppers will receive an additional $10 of bonus dollars to spend at the market, free.
***************
The last day for Spiral Path's CSA pick-ups is tomorrow, November 20.

The last day of the market in 2010 is December 18; it will resume with shorter winter hours on January 8 (10 am to 1 pm).

[Anna Blume]

Reminder: Winter hours here are the same as at Sunday's market at DuPont Circle: 10 AM to 1 PM.

At present, as far as I know this is the only local farmers market in operation that accepts EBT/food stamps and WIC Fruit & Vegetable vouchers, giving recipients of both government-funded benefits an extra $10 to spend at the market, free, each time they visit.

This week will be leaner for the rest of us:

• Spring Gap is absent--so no cow's milk cheeese, though Firefly will be there w chevre.
• Mocks will be absent, returning next week w hydroponic lettuce and herbs--probably standard tomatoes, too.
• Welsh Gardens and its lavendar products will be at DuPont Circle on Sunday, but not here on Saturday.

Claude will be there to exchange "Bon jour"s and pain au chocolat for currency at Praline. Groff's Content Farm and Evensong for meat and eggs for the lucky few. Spring Valley for produce and Quaker Valley for apples, a few stored vegetables. Etc. Among value-added products: Preserves, pasta and soups at Atwater's.

[Anna Blume]

It may be snowing downtown in Silver Spring today, but it should be around 40 F tomorrow, January 29, when there WILL be a market in Silver Spring!

[Anna Blume]

xcanuck: There's a new guy at market you might want to meet, representing North Mountain Pastures. They cure their animals and ferment the neighbor's [plus their own?] vegetables.

[Heather]

Made my one trip to the Silver Spring market today, and was reminded why I dont go more than once a year. This market would be a lot more attractive to me if there weren't so many dogs.

[Anna Blume]

Temporary Move tomorrow & the Saturday after that & the one after that, too!

September 17, 24 & October 1

Markets will be held in the parking lot on corner of Georgia and Colesville in front of Panera Bread, known as The Gateway Plaza. 9 AM to 1 PM.

Bring your dogs, but only if they're smallish since it's a tight fit. As you probably know, Evensong's Julie is selling her poulets rouges and Groff's Julie promises bacon.

[Anna Blume]

Farmers are hanging their stockings with care--
or frying latkes
or just nursing a beer.

Some to return 'fore the shiny new year
bundled in knockas
(of wool) and suede of a deer.

December 24: Buy green beans for cheap from a distant agribusiness inside a heated building
December 31: 9 am to 1 pm (Last four-hour market till April; produce for sale)
January 07: 10 am to 1 pm (Winter hours.)

[bookluvingbabe]

Wait, no market today? Sigh....

[Anna Blume]

Hmmm....I thought that since xcanuck is now haunting Kerrytown on weekends, no one here goes to this market anymore. Just in case, please note that tomorrow and the following Saturday, May 12, the market relocates to its standard, temporary other address: The Gateway Plaza, aka parking lot on the corner of Georgia Ave and Colesville, behind Panera Bread and across the street from Ray's Classic.

Evensong's Julie Stinar will be bringing her first spring chickens to market: Cornish. (Poulet Rouge the following week.) Not many, so those arriving closer to 9 than 10 might be lucky.