FoodieTots.com

Spring doesn’t truly arrive until the seasonal farmers markets open, and today the first to open in the DC area was FreshFarm’s Penn Quarter Market. There was a steady stream of people arriving even as the market opened, and the customary eager lines at Quail Creek Breads. Of course, a gorgeous 70+ degree day in Washington doesn’t hurt.

And, while asparagus (and ramps?) are still a few weeks away, morels were here!

Springfield Farms was selling lamb for Easter, while Cibola Farms and Red Apron were back to round out the meat options. I picked up my Easter ricotta from Blue Ridge Dairy. Copper Pot was there with his handmade pastas, sauces and jams. And Black Rock and Toigo Orchards still have some apples and preserved products from last fall.

Also this year, a new collaboration between FreshFarm and Zola Chef Bryan Moscatello: Farmers in Residence Program. Once a month, Bryan will host a farmer from the Penn Quarter market at Zola Wine and Food Kitchen for a 3pm chat, then lead participants back to a personalized market tour. Up first is Mary Ellen Taylor of Endless Summer Harvest (producer of the famed Loudoun Lettuce mix and the DC area’s finest arugula), next Thursday, April 8. View the FreshFarm event calendar for future dates.

Penn Quarter Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3-7.00pm
Chef Demos weekly at 4.00pm
8th Street NW btwn D & E, near Archives Metro