by Chris McCollum

Executive Director, Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture

There’s nothing like the taste of fresh berries.  I don’t mean the strawberries and blueberries you can buy in January at the supermarket. I’m talking about the berries that left the patch a few hours ago.  When I say “no sugar added,” I really mean “no sugar necessary.”   

That’s the difference when you buy fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, meats and dairy products at your local farmers market.  In Baltimore County, we’re lucky to have 15 farmers markets selling healthy foods that come straight from Baltimore County farms.    

Berries, squash and beans are in season now. Treat yourself to a bunch of locally grown flowers, bring home some organic herbs, or try a free range chicken or low-fat bison for the grill. (Yes, bison really do roam in Baltimore County at Gunpowder Bison & Trading Co. in Monkton and at Morris Meadows in Freeland.)

Visit your community farmers market. It’s a whole new taste of fresh. Plus, you’ll be supporting our local farmers. Click here to find the farmers market closest to you.