MOARfit’s Spring Guide to Seasonal Eating in the DC Area

Seasonal eating is something we should all strive for no matter where we live, how much time we have, or the resources we have at our disposal. We will not always succeed in sourcing all of our food from our own back yard or local farmers’ markets—certainly not in the winter months in most places!—but we can commit to trying.

Why is this important? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Seasonal foods are picked at the peak of freshness and offer greater nutrient-density than most out-of-season fruits and vegetables. The less distance a food has to travel the more those nutrients stay intact. When you eat with the seasons, you will naturally enjoy a broader diversity of foods, providing your body with a wider variety of important vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy body and mind.

From the planet’s perspective, eating with the seasons reduces the number of miles your food has to travel before it hits your plate. This helps cut back on its carbon footprint thereby reducing pollution and contributing less to climate change. A lot of local food is also produced under organic conditions (whether certified or not)—i.e. no toxic pesticides or fertilizers—which is better for your health and that of the soil in which foods are grown.

Finally, when you buy locally grown foods in season, you help provide financial support to the farmers in your area—which helps to grow your local economy! Also, your wallet will thank you since seasonal foods are often priced lower than out of season foods, which have to compensate for transport costs.

So, what’s in season here in the DMV? Ask and ye shall receive:

(Um, how gorgeous are these local watermelon radishes??)

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DMV SPRING EATS

Asparagus . Beets . Collard Greens . Spinach . Swiss Chard .

Kale . Mushrooms . Onions . Radishes . Turnips . Squash

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For a complete list, see FreshFarm Market’s PDF.

And I can’t leave you without a handy list of DMV Farmers’ Markets:

WASHINGTON, DC

Bloomingdale Farmers’ Market

102 R St NW (b/t N 1st St & N Florida Ave NW)

Sunday 10am-2pm, May – November

Eastern Market Farmers’ Market

225 7th St SE

Tuesdays 3 – 7pm, year round

Dupont Circle Freshfarm Market

Dupont Circle 1500 20th St NW

Sundays 9am – 2pm, year round

H Street Farmers’ Market

625 H Street NE

Saturdays 9am – 12pm, April – November

USDA Farmers’ Market

12th St & Independence Ave SW

Fridays 10am – 2pm, June – November

White House FreshFarm Market

810 Vermont Ave NW

Thursdays 11am – 2:30pm April – October

Glover Park-Burleith Farmers Market

Hardy Middle School parking lot, 1819 35th Street NW

Saturdays 9am – 1pm May – November

Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market

Saturdays 9-1, April 6-December 21

Special Note: As of right now, the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market is set to remain closed due to lack of permits. Let local DC government know if you want this market to re-open!

Columbia Heights Farmers’ Market

Civic Plaza 14th St & Park Rd NW

Saturdays 9am – 1pm, May – December

14th and U Street Farmers’ Market

Saturdays 9am – 1pm, May – November

Penn Quarter Farmers’ Market

8th St NW

Thursdays 3 – 7pm, March – December

Broad Branch Farmers’ Market

Lafayette Elementary School parking lot, Broad Branch Rd & Northampton NW

Saturday 9am – 1pm, year round

DOT Farmers’ Market