This month, farmers' markets are popping up faster than spring onions. New markets have sprouted in Greenspring Station, John Hopkins' East Baltimore campus, Mount Airy and the Jewish Community Center in Owings Mills.
There are now about 90 farmers' markets in the Maryland, up from 78 last year, according to Amy G. Crone, an agricultural marketing specialist for the state.
But even Crone, who keeps track of the markets for the state, said she sometimes learns of new ones by word of mouth.
"The local food movement is sweeping the country, and people want to know where their food comes from. And, with the tight economy, it is more appealing to buy food at a farmers' market and cook it at home," she said.
While the traditional time slots of a farmers' market have been Saturday or Sunday morning, more markets are open on weekdays, even weekday afternoons. Wednesday and Thursday are now the two busiest market days, Crone said.
As the crops come in and crowds grow, navigating the markets requires some savvy. These days, for instance, the fashionable market-goers are BYOBers. That is, they bring their own bags to carry the goods home. Plastic bags are frowned upon. If you are buying organically grown broccoli, you probably want to tote it home in something "green," maybe even a burlap bag.
Kids are also in fashion at farmers' markets, which can lead to stroller gridlock when parents stop to gossip. But while kids are in at the farmers' market, dogs are out. Most local health department regulations forbid mixing food and Fido, a prohibition that drives some dog-lovers crazy. It's legal in France, they argue. But, then again, so is moldy cheese.
Shopping strategies vary. Some customers stroll the market before buying, eyeing the goods and comparing prices before circling back to make a purchase. Others make a beeline for their favorite stand, make a buy, then scoot.
There are the early-risers, who believe that to get the good stuff you should shop at dawn's early light. Alternatively there are the "closers," who prowl the stands when the farmers are about to pack up, hoping to get a last-minute deal.
Each market has its own features that give it a distinctive feel. We took a look at three of the major farmers' markets in the area. Here is our report:
32 Street/Waverly Farmers' Market
Where: : 400 block of East 32nd St.
When: : 7 a.m.-noon Saturdays
