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Buy fresh, buy local
Now is an exciting time of year for lovers of fresh produce, pasture-raised meat, organic cheeses and home-baked goods. Open-air farmers markets chock full of locally produced items are beginning to open around the county.
The largest crop of markets is run by the county, with 11 locations open Tuesdays through Saturdays from early May to late October or mid-November. A handful of additional markets are hosted by services clubs, churches and nonprofit organizations.
Smart Markets Inc., a newly formed nonprofit organization, is debuting two markets in the parking lot of Whole Foods Market in Fair Lakes and at Reston Town Square at Reston Town Center.
The Fair Lakes market is creating quite a buzz because of planned appearances by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, who will be filming a new television series for Discovery Communications' new eco-lifestyle network, Planet Green.
"Emeril Green," slated to air in July, will be shot on location at the Fair Lakes Whole Foods starting this week, and regularly thereafter. Chef Emeril, a serious “buy local” advocate, is expected to incorporate the Wednesday farmers market into his show.
"It's very exciting," said Smart Markets founder and longtime Fairfax County resident Jean Janssen. "The crew will be there every other week. This is a big deal."
Janssen said she founded Smart Markets early this year to respond to the need in Northern Virginia for well-managed, well-publicized and guaranteed producer-only farmers markets.
She's attracted 16 or 17 vendors peddling home-produced meats, cheeses, produce, baked goods, pastas, kettle corn, coffees and teas, honey, ice cream, fresh-cut flowers, wine and more.
Most products sold come from farms in the Northern Neck region of Virginia, Orange County, Loudoun County, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The county requires its farmers to come from no more than 125 miles from Fairfax County to ensure quality and freshness and to reduce the carbon footprint.
With prices comparable to the organic aisle of the grocery stores, it makes sense to shop local.
Contact the writer at bboyd@timespapers.com
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