Watch the video below:
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland has plenty to offer in the spring and summer, especially when it comes to local, seasonal farmer’s markets.
Many of the markets in Calvert, Charles, Anne Arundel and St. Mary’s counties kick off in April, with some of the summer markets beginning in June. The BayNet decided to enjoy one of the last weekends of the Anne Arundel County year-round market’s winter season before vendors officially change their products, and their hours, to match the warm weather.
The Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market operates from the pavilion at 275 Harry S. Truman Parkway. The market hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday year-round, with added Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting in April.
The winter market is special because there’s more focus on artisanal products than at a traditional farmer’s market — so while we didn’t get to sort through the farm-fresh produce in the same way we would in the spring and summer, it was wonderful to shop with vendors who make olive oil or juice, or handmade gifts and soaps. And of course, we explored farmer’s market favorites like meat, dairy and produce.
Farmer’s markets throughout Maryland have different start dates — most county websites maintain a list of the farmer’s markets in your area, which are a great resource.
In the meantime, here’s what you have to look forward to when the farmer’s market finally returns to a location near you.
Produce
The stars of any farmer’s market are the produce and farm stands. People don’t get up at 6 a.m. to see the sunrise — they get up to have their first pick of their fruits and vegetables. In Southern Maryland especially, the local farms come ready with all the local favorites.
We saw seasonal veggies like turnips and potatoes, plus one stand with a variety of apples and apple products. Microgreens were available, too, and everything looked as fresh and delicious as it does in the spring and summer. With markets, seasonal is key, so make sure your expectations are in line with what farms have to offer.
Homemade Jams and Pickles
One of the best things about a farmer’s market is how great people are at making things like jams! As a shopper, you get the benefit of feeling like you vibe with the cottage lifestyle just by buying something that’s been prepared like this. You know the scene — it’s early morning, you have homemade jam on toast or a scone, a fresh cup of coffee, and birds tweeting outside the window. Yes, this is the power of good jam. Plus, jam makers can work year-round so you won’t just have seasonal flavors to choose from.
Also, special shoutout to Oksana’s Ferments for their samples of pickled onions and pickled mushrooms. We don’t see pickled products as often as we do other preserved foods at markets, and were so excited to take home a jar of radish kimchi.
Soaps
There were several stands offering a range of skin care products, including soap, chapsticks, lotions and more. We also saw a stand dedicated exclusively to beef tallow skincare, which is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional products.
Baked Goods
Here, we got to pick out some farmer’s market staples — bread, scones, cookies and more. We love sampling the fresh breads and pastries from local bakers. But these products usually sell out extremely fast, so if you want to get your hands on that sourdough or blueberry scones, it’s best to get to the market early.
We didn’t manage to secure the bread we wanted, and instead took home two apple turnovers and ate them warm for a perfect mid-morning snack.
Farmer’s markets are a staple of Maryland life and a core way to support local growers, makers and small businesses. Heading to a farmer’s market is a great way to kick off your weekend, and we’re so excited to see all the incredible products at the markets in the upcoming months.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!