Market helps give Spring a fresh start
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Hungry yet? Would you like to know where you might conveniently find these illustrious plants, these golden gifts of mother Earth? Well, venture a few mere blocks from the Hopkins campus down 33rd Street and you'll run into the Waverly Farmers Market, a year-round Saturday gathering, where local vendors present their fresh food products from 7 a.m. until noon.
Last week, a slightly chilly morning failed to deter visitors from checking out the goods on display. At about 11 a.m., the market's permanent location was hopping with neighbors, children and dogs in tow.
A littering of Hopkins students already in the know also milled around tables showcasing apples, oranges, and berries, and other basic food items including cheeses and meats. Music from a strategically positioned bagpiper mingled with the sounds of shopping. Experiencing the energy of this pseudo-bohemian gathering, which represents the best of a sometimes unacknowledged Charles Village community, was a nice way to start a Saturday.
One drawback of course, is the fact that you have to be out and about before noon on a weekend to visit the market. Still, you may find your walk through this crowded produce bazaar to be worth setting the alarm. "We come when we wake up early enough," said sophomore Whitney Street, a fan of the market's selection of vegetables.
Last Saturday's event featured plenty of conversation and the clicking of money being exchanged. In addition, the occasional vendor called out to shoppers, offering samples of their products. "Any experience is better with free samples. I enjoyed that there were samples of cheese and tea. Food and a beverage," said sophomore Britt Aronovich.
Also, adding to the community aspect of the market, many of the Waverly vendors are veterans. Representatives from Black Rock Orchard, for example have been a staple at the market for 25 years. "We're here every Saturday morning year round," one commented. Last week the orchard featured ten varieties of apples, bagged and lined up one next to another to be mixed and matched, and will also be offering tomatoes in four or five weeks.
In addition to classic produce selections, you will also encounter some of the less mainstream variety at the farmer's market. A stand best described as "mushroom heaven" run by the Woodland Mushroom Company showcased six varieties of fungi last week. While the vendor grilled portobellos for sandwiches, a young elementary school-aged assistant pointed out all of the other options available. Woodland's selection of certified organic mushrooms are grown in Maryland and parts of Virginia.
A stand featuring items from Neopol Artisan Foods was also a unique stop at the market. Barbara Lahnestien commented that her specialty goods always sell well at the Waverly market. "We sell mostly smoked salmon and seafood and some cheese pies," she said.
Farmers markets are a nice way to save money on fresh, organic goods. For less than five dollars strawberries, apple cider, and shelled peanuts came home with me. Aronovich also felt that the produce she picked up was a great value and was satisfied with both her Broom's Bloom Dairy cheese and her portobello mushroom sandwich. "I thought the prices for the straight up produce were good. The prices of the already prepared or specialty products were reasonable and they were a decent value, but they were more expensive," she said.
While last Saturday's crowd seemed interested in a variety of products, strawberries seemed to be a popular item. These berries were one fruit option for sale at multiple tables, adding as special degree of color to the displays. As the weather improves, and the temperature increases, the selection of available food items will grow. Be sure to visit the market to find out.