Pick up ripe strawberries at the farmers' markets
The farmers' markets are open and they have strawberries -- big, juicy strawberries.
This time of year, there also are asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, salad greens and spinach. But one of the big attraction in spring is always the berries.
When selecting sweet local strawberries, the state Department of Agriculture recommends that consumers look for "a full, red color, bright luster and firm, plump flesh." The fruit does not ripen after being picked, so consumers should look for the fully ripe berries with caps that are bright green, fresh looking and fully attached.
The agency reports that Maryland farms harvested about 440 acres of strawberries, valued at $2.3 million, in 2007. The season generally runs from the third week in May through mid-June.
Find the Maryland Farmers' Market Directory here, or go to marylandsbest.net for information on all kinds of products from local farmers.
There also are new markets opening all the time that aren't on the list, such as one at the Museum of Industry. It starts 9 a.m. June 6. For a map, recipes and other market information see our markets page at Baltimoresun.com.
Baltimore Sun file photo of a strawberry pot sold at a farmers' market.
Comments
Ah! One of my favorite subjects! I like the Waverly Market on Saturday mornings - when my Saturdays aren't ridiculously overbooked - and they're open year round, with guys who grow "lettuce" (salad greens) in a greenhouse, so they're both fresh and local.
The Market at Kenilworth on - I think - Tuesday afternoons/very early evenings - is fun and a nice diversion if you're being tortured by traffic and and pass it as you try to "sneak" (lot of irony there) through Towson traffic.
My absolute favorite Market is Sunday morning, under the JFX. I love the city when it's docile. I love the street musicians on the sidewalk outside. I love that the vendors talk to you. I don't like the coffee that much, but the breakfast crepes are delightful.
Isn't it nice to have so many choices? Thanks so much for commenting. --MC
Posted by: Eve | May 28, 2009 8:30 AM
I was at the Waverly market last Saturday morning, and was reminded why I find it so frustrating. The vendors always have great prepared food -- Ethiopian, Thai, Caribbean, etc. -- but I can't bear to eat it at 9 a.m. I'll have to go back around noon next time. I only wish it stayed open later.
Posted by: Dave | May 28, 2009 9:41 AM
I wish there were pick your own berry places closer to the city. I've found a few great, cheap ones in Harford County but its a long 45 min - 1 hr drive to pick berries for 15 minutes, although they're worth it. I learned the hard way that fresh strawberries don't freeze and thaw well.
Posted by: KMT | May 28, 2009 10:31 AM
Thanks for the links. I live in Glen Burnie and, sadly, our one and only market is open on Wednesday morning only. This makes no sense...
Posted by: Jelena | May 28, 2009 1:35 PM