Map Of Market Shopping

Below you will find a map of some of my favorite markets in the area, as well as a video of Eastern Market shopping.


View Area Markets in a larger map

Quick Guide to Market Shopping

Top Five Best Markets in the Area:

1. Adams Morgan Farmers Market
   
2. Dupont Circle Farm Fresh Market
   
3. Georgetown Market at Park Rose
   
4. H Street Market
   
5. Foggy Bottom Market
   

If your market is currently selling these products, you can bet it's not local:

• Tomatos
  
• Grapes
  
• Strawberries
  
• Corn
  
• Blueberries
  
• Flowers
  

You can also check out this site for typical seasons for your market favorites.

Environmental Film Festival

The Environmental Film Festival in D.C. kicked off this week. The schedule is posted online, and includes the world premier of Expedition Wild and Climate Refugees.
I had the pleasure of attending the Launch Party on March 10, where filmmakers, producers, EFF staffers and local celebrities to reflect on the importance of environmental awareness. The theme of the festival this year is-- you guessed it-- food. While not all of the films in the festival are about food, each pertains to an aspect of sustainable living.
The Green House, the film I attended on Wednesday March 18 at E St. Theater, spotlighted the Metropolitan areas first Leed Certified house. The house is constructed with reuseable materials and incorporated sustainable living into ever aspect of the home: from construction to design to interiorware. Interior designers were chosen through an a contest for those who could best execute beautiful work while considering every aspect of a furnitures life. The qualifications were tough-- including whether the varnish used to finish floors and furniture is environmentally sound.
If you're interested in living green and looking for things to do around town for free, check out the EFF schedule. Everyday there are several films playing, many of which are free, and include such a various range of topics almost all aspects substainable living are addressed.

I also wanted to throw a shout out to Kira Ann, who operates her own blog on Sustainable Living. Kira recently posted her own documentary of her attempts create a completely local pizza.
Enjoy!

Bethesda Women's Cooperative

Just outside of the confines of the city lies the Montgomery Farm Women's Cooperative. This gem of a local market was established in 1932. Its rotating selection of 75 vendors is available Wednesday to Sunday between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the produce and home goods are locally made and you can often find artists peddling their own merchandise. Its run like the typical flea market, meaning all prices are negotiable. These women are tough bargainers though so be prepared to walk away if they don't meet your price. Usually the threat of losing business changes their tune. It may sound harsh, but for those market veteran, bargaining is half the adventure.
The jewelry is amazing and you can pick up some cheap beads to make some of your own. Steer clear of the bootlegged DVDs-- most are made-for-tv junk.
For those looking for an adventure in bargaining and bin scouring, you can find the Montgomery Farm Women's Cooperative at:

7155 Wisconsin Ave.

Check back with your stories when you have.

Eastern Market Epiphany

Eastern Market is NOT a local farm market. I must here admit that I have been deceived. A housemate, who is a self-proclaimed organic, local food connoisseur, and I went to the Market over the weekend so she could do a little bit of shopping. Typically, K.G has her food delivered to the house, but since it was so beautiful outside we decided to trek down to the "local" Market.

Before our purchases, we needed to investigate its origin and the farming practices it was fostered under-- believe me when I say this girl is serious about her food.

Talking to stand owners is not only difficult, but nearly impossible. Most are evasive-- and probably for good reason. Since Eastern Market has flourished under the urban myth of local farming, questioning stand owners could threaten their livelihood.

I would have known the Market wasn't local, had I ever gone in the Winter. The stands are lined with grapes, strawberries, corn, parsley and the like, each proudly displayed beneath glittering signs of local farms.

Well you can't fool me Eastern Market swindlers! I grew up on a commercial farm in New Jersey. I know blueberries are the most active between July and August, but the earliest a farmer in the Northeast can sell berries is June. Strawberries are still two months away.

No matter what you tell me, Eastern Market stand operator, your blueberries are not from Eastern Pennsylvania. Most likely, they're from California and dispensed to major chains of grocers.

So fellow MMPS bloggers, do not be fooled by the allure of Eastern Market. You're more likely to actually support a local or organic farmer at a grocery store like Trader Joe's. If you really want to eat local, forgo vegetables and fruits not in season.

Early asparagus is available in April. Learn to love it until the weather warms.