Farm Market Crawl: Franklin Park Farmers Market at Greenbelt Station

Farm market-goers in Greenbelt now have a second weekend market to check out. The Franklin Park Farmer’s Market at Greenbelt Station is open every Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. at 6220 Springhill Drive in Greenbelt. The market is surrounded by the sprawling Franklin Park apartment complex, giving tenants easy access to fresh, local produce. 

This is the market’s first season—its first market was held on Father’s Day—and organizers are excited about the new opportunity to build on the market’s opening success. The market will remain open each Sunday through October 30^th of this year. Be sure to stop by the market on August 7^th when Boordy Vineyards will be there showcasing their Maryland wines.

During my visit, there were three vendors selling their wares. I found handmade body balms, lip balms and body lotions at Rooted-n-Nature Natural Beauty Care Products’ table and Carlton Wilhoit of Wilhoit’s Roasted Nuts, an Oxon Hill-based company, offered his cinnamon roasted almonds, cashews and pecans. I grabbed a bag of his pecans that will make a great addition to a salad.

First Stage Farm in Brandywine had the market’s fresh flowers and produce. Their table was vibrant with the colors of tomatoes, squash, melons and fresh flowers. In addition to their own produce, First Stage also brings in fresh produce from Amish Farms in Charlotte Hall. I scored a bag of fresh cucumbers and took them home to make this simple and refreshing salad.

Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad

Serves four.

2 cups diced cucumber

2 cups diced fresh tomato

¼ cup finely-diced red onion

2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Toss until well-mixed and vegetables are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.