Help a Bethesda Farmers Market Become America's Favorite

Although I am really enjoying my CSA share this year, my true love is a farmers market. There's the excitement of farmers displaying the results of their hard work and attention, providing details and offering tastes of fruit and produce. There's the excitement of the buyers choosing their favorites, searching, touching, planning their meals around the week’s bounty. There's the chance to see the creativity of local cheese makers, bakers, herbalists and purchase products made fresh on the farm. 

It’s a new experience each week. You see the seasons change, catch up on news, make friends and run into them every week. Whether it’s a local market or one you’ve discovered while traveling, you’re always a part of a farmer’s market. Fill your bag, buy a pastry and some coffee, and sit and enjoy the scene.

Vote for Your Favorite Farmers Market Through the American Farmland Trust
We’ve got some great farmers markets in Bethesda, and this summer the American Farmland Trust gives you the chance until midnight on August 31, 2011 to vote for your favorite. The Trust, which helps farmers and ranchers protect their land, produce a healthier environment and build successful communities, wants to highlight the best local farmers markets and is running a contest to find "America’s Favorite Farmers Markets."

So far, 1667 markets from across the country have entered the contest. Prizes will be awarded for the favorite large, medium, small and boutique market when the voting is tallied. Winning markets will receive a special mention on Epicurious and the delivery of a shipment of ‘No Food, No Farms’ tote bags to their market. The Trust’s web site easily allows you to cast your vote, and also allows you to check out the top five markets for each state as the voting unfolds. It’s a great way to see the variety of markets all over the United States and to check out what’s happening in your own back yard.

Bethesda Central Farm Market Currently In The Lead for Maryland
As of the writing of this article, the Bethesda Central Farm Market is in the lead for Maryland’s farmers markets at at 260 votes. The Bethesda Central Farm Market is on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at Wisconsin and Woodmont Avenues. On Thursdays, this market operates on Bethesda Lane from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. selling produce, bread, sausages, salami and olive oils. Sherry Berliner, market operations manager, talked about the variety of foods at the Sunday market.

“It really is the next generation farmers market. We have 37 vendors selling everything from the only citrus grower in Maryland to the freshest fish, to charcuterie, hand roasted coffee, and a different winery every week. It’s really an entire experience and a community. People get together with their friends and hang out at the market. It’s really become a weekly ritual.”

If this market is your favorite, go ahead and cast your vote before August 31.

Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative and Fresh Farm Market Also Vote-Worthy
Bethesda is lucky enough to have three farmers markets operating in the center of town. The Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative is the grande dame of farmer’s markets in the area with its history and charming original building. The Montgomery Women’s Farm Cooperative is located at 7155 Wisconsin Avenue and operates on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Step inside its historic building, and you’ll find a wide choice of fresh produce, flowers, prepared foods and baked goods to sustain you during the week or weekend.

Fresh Farm Market is another great farmers market to find the freshest local fruits, flowers and produce, baked goods and meats and is located at Norfolk Avenue near Fairmont and St. Elmo avenues. Operating on Saturdays from May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 29, this is a great market for those who can’t wait to get out on Saturday morning, do some shopping and cook a great meal for Saturday dinner. Make sure to pay a visit and don’t forget these markets as you consider voting for your favorite farmers market in Bethesda.

No matter which market you vote for, the important thing is to shop first at farmers markets to support local farmers and continue the agricultural tradition of Montgomery County and the surrounding area. We are fortunate to live in a region that contains some of America’s first farms and still enjoy the results of farmers’ efforts today. Shop, ask questions, taste, buy, and especially enjoy fresh and healthy produce. It’s the season to shop your farmers markets!