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As we end this rain parade and turn the corner into sunny, warm days, all I can think about is it’s now officially farmers market season.
While many markets in Northern Virginia stay open year-round, slinging acorn squashes, parsnips and the hardiest of greens, it isn’t until close to May that most re-emerge from a wintry slumber.
This year there are a couple new markets on the scene, including the powerhouse brand FreshFarm opening next month at the new Central Place in Rosslyn (which you can read about in the May issue, on newsstands now).
Also new is the Market at Potomac Mills. The 50 vendors span from the normal fruits and vegetables to locally made peanut butter spreads, gluten-free treats and soaps and bath bombs from Occoquan-based Emerald Bee Bath.
“I believe it could be a trend in the future,” says Bethany Zorn, the director of marketing and business development at Potomac Mills. Zorn isn’t aware of any other farmers markets at malls in the DMV.
Located in the commuter lot near Matchbox, the market debuts this Saturday, April 29 (7 a.m.-2 p.m.).
You can find a complete listing of Northern Virginia’s farmers markets on our updated guide, divided by county. (If you’re stumped with what to do with your asparagus, check out the James Beard-nominated cookbook The Vegetable Butcher.)
In other news, the local chain &pizza announced its latest shop, slated for Tysons Corner Mall and featuring an outdoor patio.
As for me, I’ll be on chef Rock Harper’s new radio show, Shift Drink. Aleka Ross, Keema Johnson and I will be talking about what it’s like to be working women in the food world. The discussion will be livestreaming on Harper’s Facebook page today at 9 p.m.
