Autumn at the Arlington Farmers Markets

Temperatures are dropping a bit and leaves are starting to fall all around Arlington.  Farmers markets in our region are exploding with great crops this time of year.  The colors at the market are bright and beautiful, reflecting September’s bounty.  As autumn rolls around, take advantage of all of what fall brings!  Some farmers markets in our area are only open through mid-October, so if you’ve been meaning to go all season, make it a goal to get out and get some.

September is truly one of the most productive picking months of the year, and Virginia’s farmers have a lot to offer.  Some of the best crops form our region include: beans, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, greens, herbs, peppers, raspberries, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, watermelon, and tomatoes.  In Virginia, September holds onto peak seasons for certain varieties of peaches and apples.  Specifically, Laurol, Autumn Prince, and Fairtime yellow peaches are ripe and ready.  Gala and Red and Golden Delicious varieties of apples are great for enjoying during September, too.

Not sure how to shop at the market and use these ingredients?  Do some research on recipes that incorporate these fruits and vegetables and build your week’s menu around them.  Cook for others.  Make enough to have leftovers for lunches at work or use them for a new mix of flavors the next night for dinner.  Save the scraps and tops of greens for soup and freeze them for when the weather gets cooler.  Herbs pack a new punch in dishes or cocktails, but also can provide a potpourri for your kitchen.

Arlington has a fantastic choice of farmer’s market to take advantage of.  The Clarendon market meets Wednesdays from 2-7 pm; Ballston’s on Thursdays from 3-7; Rosslyn’s on Thursdays from 11 am-3 pm; and Courthouse on Saturdays from 8 am- 3 pm.  For a complete list of markets with locations and information check out: http://www.arlingtonva.us/portals/topics/FarmersMarkets.aspx

Bon apetit!