Farm Market Crawl: USDA Beltsville Farmers' Market

Employees at the USDA outpost in Beltsville get a wonderful treat each Thursday when the USDA Beltsville Farmers’ Market is held in Parking Lot B. The market is open from 10:00 am. to 2:00 p.m. through October 27^th. The market offers a delectable mix of prepared foods, fresh produce, baked goods and jewelry.

Upper Crust Bakery, based in Silver Spring, brings their freshly-baked breads, cookies and pastries. Their wide assortment of sweet and savory goods are all baked without additives or preservatives. Walter Farms in Hughesville, Maryland offered a table loaded with fresh fruits and produce. Peaches are the main crop for Anne Arundel County’s Harris Orchard but they also bring in a bounty of nectarines, cherries, apricots, plums and berries each week. Harris Orchard has been named Fruit Champions at the Maryland State Fair for 14 years.

I picked up a seedless watermelon from Walter Farms and used half of it to make this simple, flavorful salad. It only has a handful of ingredients, but the sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty feta cheese. It’s delicious chilled or served at room temperature. Add a tablespoon or two chopped fresh mint for a refreshing twist.

Watermelon & Feta Salad

Serves four.

4 cups cubed seedless watermelon

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon minced shallots

Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, tossing until watermelon and feta are evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve.