The USDA Farmers Market is a "living laboratory," dedicated to providing opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and small businesses to sell their products to those living in and visiting our Nation's capital.

Farmers Market vendors are the heart and soul of the community. We miss ours dearly and know you do too! Check out this week's vendor spotlight!

Capitol Kettle Corn is a family owned business located in Maryland. The business was created 12 years ago after owner JC Clark instantly fell in love with vending after a visit to a farmers market in southern Maryland. JC, a retired veteran, is a husband and father of three girls and one boy. Mr. Clark believes that growth comes from the ability to hear and listen to advice, even when you may not agree. He believes that this belief has helped him build a successful business. He describes his time at the market as positive, taking pleasure in meeting various people from various backgrounds. For four years, Capitol Kettle Corn has been the USDA Farmers Market’s resident popcorn guru. The USDA Farmers Market would like to thank Capitol Kettle Corn for their contribution to making the market what it is today.

Connecting with USDA Farmers Market Vendors

Although the opening of the market is delayed, we would love for you still have a way to contact your favorite vendors. Here is a link to containing that information as well as some markets our vendors are currently servicing: Vendor Information.pdf

Produce of the week: Peas

Did you know…. The oldest pea ever found was discovered in Thailand. It was about 3000 years old.

How to Grow.... Peas should be planted 2 inches apart in direct sunlight. Sow the seeds outdoors 4 to 6 weeks before the late spring frost. Water pea plants sparingly.

How to Pick.... Choose pods that are plump and not wrinkled.

How to Prepare…. Peas can be seasoned, blanched or steamed. They pair well with other vegetables such as carrots, onions, potatoes or mushrooms. Peas can be tossed or cooked in a variety of cooking fats and oils such as with sesame oil, olive oil, vinaigrette or flavored butter.

How to Store.... Refrigerate pods in a perforated plastic bag up to five days. For English peas, remove the shell immediately before using.

Nutrition.... Peas are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, thiamine (B1), iron and phosphorus. A 100 calorie serving of peas contains more protein than a whole egg or tablespoon of peanut butter.

Weekly Recipe Feature

“Garlic Sesame Snow Peas”
Source: AlaskaFromScratch.com

Click here to access this week's recipe card: Garlic Sesame Snow Peas

USDA has a diverse community of employees that contribute to a culturally rich environment. “Community Corner” explores the influences of cultural heritage and tradition through the lens of USDA Farmers Market’s stakeholders, customers, and neighbors.

What’s growing in your community? When you visit your local farmers market or grocery store, it is good to know what produce is in season. The following list shows what is available for the month of June. Keep in mind some growing seasons are going to be longer in other parts of the United States, so there will be modifications of produce seasonality according to your region. Of this list, only nine produce items are seasonally available in the Chesapeake Bay region. Can you guess which ones? Find the answers below!

Answers: beans, blackberries, cherries, cucumbers, herbs, potatoes, rhubarb, summer squash, and strawberries.

Each issue The USDA Farmers Market will share stories of how individuals have been impacted by the market. Stories can be submitted to: Shalon.Santana@usda.gov

Farmers Marketing Innovations from USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program Recipients

USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grantees lost no time in accommodating local requirements for social distancing for the 2020 season. They are offering effective marketing alternatives to meet that goal. Farmers markets across the country provide a critical source of the freshest available local food employing various scenarios.

FMPP recipients are sensitive to customer’s concerns about in-person contact in the presentation and sales of local products. Many have used existing online sales platforms to aggregate the products from multiple farmers market producers and allow online payment for each market order.

Delivery or pickup scenarios vary by community. Home delivery is a limited option, but drive-through pickups are common, and many are non-contact. Pickup customers often remain in the driver’s seat while prepaid orders are loaded. Online call-ahead selections, market boxes with pre-selected seasonal items, specialty add-on products and specific meal kits for home assembly are also available options.

Consumers can consult the USDA Farmers Market Directory for contacts to local markets where FMPP recipients offer diverse and creative ways to purchase farm fresh local foods. Reports of how they are meeting this year’s challenge are diverse and positive – enduring examples of ingenuity and creativity that make local flavor the spice of life across the U.S.

In this week’s addition we’re celebrating some great games associated with Dairy, specifically milk! Please follow this link to play: http://www.myamericanfarm.org/classroom/games

COVID-19 UPDATE

Due to the COVID-19 National Emergency, the opening of the USDA Farmers Market is pending. We will provide updates as we receive guidance.