Wines, Vegetables, and Fruits! Oh My!

It's official! 

www.boordy.com

"Wineries Will Be Able to Sell Wine at Farmers’ Markets Statewide -- Starting June 1"


Commemorating 68 years as one of Maryland's premier wineries, Boordy Vineyards is joining us for a third season. Representatives will be on hand sharing and selling selections of distinctive wines at American Market!

"Winegrowing, like most farming, stems from a love and respect for the land.  In our case, a connection to our farm, Long Green, has been strengthened over many generations from days spent walking its hills and valleys, fishing its streams, planting and harvesting crops, and tending to livestock.A stubborn sense place has been imprinted in our souls." 

Released ~ May 9, 2013 (by Jana Howley, University of Maryland Extension)

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Come June 1, Maryland wineries will be able to sell wine and offer samples at farmers’ markets listed in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Farmers Market Directory, which is available online at www.marylandsbest.net. A new Off-Site Permit (which replaces the current Winery Special Event Permit) removes previous county-by-county restrictions and limits on the number of markets (or market days) a winery may attend. Importantly, the new process shifts the permitting burden off of the markets and on to the wineries. Market managers and property owners are no longer required to sign the paperwork for wineries to attend.

“Wineries and vineyards are a growing segment of our already diverse agriculture industry,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “This new permitting process is another way we are working to connect consumers with all Maryland producers.”  “This permit is a great example of the industry and state working together to promote local wines to customers already focused on buying other locally grown products,” said Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association. “We hope to turn locavours into locapours via farmers’ markets.”

"While the new permit makes it much easier for wineries to sell their products at farmers’ markets, it does not give them open access. Markets must invite a winery to participate in a market, and wineries may not sell wine by the glass. In addition, local regulations regarding the sale and sampling of wine prevails, even if they are more restrictive than what the new permit allows."  For information about the permits or other wine-related regulations, contact Kevin Atticks, executive director, Maryland Wineries Association, 410-252-9463 or kevin@marylandwine.com. 

American Market is one of the 131 farmers markets in Maryland, up from 88 in 2008. Farmers’ markets have become essential in our communities and are growing in popularity across the U.S.  Appreciation to local farmers, food growers, vineyards, specialty food preparers, USDA, and more concerned organizations for increasing our awareness to wholesome and sustainable food system. Citizens are becoming more aware of the health benefits and are increasingly  concerned with consuming good foods that add to rather than subtract from our  well being. 

The opening season at American Market (May 4) has been great so far, regardless of the threat of a few sprinkles of water falling from the sky! Miller Farms, artisans, specialty food vendors were out in force and selling their handmade products, bedding plants, hanging baskets, breads, pies, donuts, pierogies, green condiments, roasted nuts, kettle corn, delicious fruity smoothies, bread pudding, banana breads, and more!

I don't know about you, but I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE looking at beautiful produce! Hearty, deep and vibrant colors . . . Purple, red, green, white and more! Most of my spring onions have been consumed throughout the week . . . However, I have this lovely photo to look at all of the time!  And I have a picture of beets, radishes, strawberries, mint and broccoli! And before the season is over, I will have my own farm of fresh produce locked right in my phone!

And speaking of farms! I had an opportunity to visit one of the farms located in Maryland last week. I was excited to see all the acres of land where one of the American Market farmers, Miller Farm grow and harvest produce for the local markets in the area.  Located in Clinton, Maryland, Park Ranger, Kyle Lowe of the M-NCPPC was gracious to spend time introducing me to Cosca Regional Park. Nearby, there are acres and acres of farm land, sporting facilities -- tennis courts, skate boarding ramps, a fishing lake, picnic areas, camping grounds and of course nature are abundant! 

And . . .  To top it off the visit, Kyle took me on a short visit to the Surratt House. Shame on me; I have driven by this museum hundreds of times and never stopped to visit. The Surratt House was built in 1852 and was the home to the Surratt family, but it also served as a tavern, a public dining room, and as a rest stop for traveling gentlemen. 

Surely, I must have started day-dreaming while the instructor began to explore the history about this very significant house - albeit, history was not my favorite subject back then. If you were anything like me, and just in case you were not paying attention in class the day the teacher reviewed the history of Clinton, Maryland, this historical museum is where the "infamous" John Wilkes Booth stopped to retrieve weapons and supplies to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.  So, you're probably wondering what this photo has to do with the Surratt Museum . . . Well, to frame your experience, lovely docents dress in the traditional attire like they did back in the day to help visitors get in the mood and roll back the hands of time. This gracious woman, dressed in typical 1800 garb was kind to pause for a photo opportunity! I was so much in the moment that I waited in anticipation for the horse and buggy to come rolling up! But Kyle's jeep would be the only 'steed' that would return me back to my vehicle. 

Thank you Kyle for the exciting journey! If you would like to discover more about the M-NCPPC parks and activities, visit www.pgparks.com

 . . . . Now onto the American Market!   

Vendor Highlights!

Reinvented Elegance

Joyce Wagner, artist and owner of Reinvented Elegance. Her mission is to create things that will make people smile and bring them joy. Reinvented Elegance features wire wrapped, crocheted jewelry and accessories, mosaics, and pressed flower art. Joyce, a very gracious woman, loved to make things since she was little. In fact, grouting mosaics reminded her of making mud pies many years ago in her side-yard. To the complete horror of a few girly-girls in her neighborhood, she then proceeded to decorate them with Dogwood berries and sun-bake them on my aluminum slide!  Today Joyce is inspired by her terrific family (husband, five kids, and three cats); her many talented artist friends; anything funny; the gift of nature; trash/recycling days; and beautiful Old Town, Alexandria, VA (not necessarily in that order). When making jewelry and accessories, she loves to throw odd materials and colors together with pressed flowers, a myriad of recycled items, and twists of wire and see what happens! She also loves the look of crocheted jewelry, somehow at once Victorian and edgy. (Jewelry: earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, rings. Accessories: key chains, bookmarks, cell phone charms.) When making mosaics, Joyce feels tremendous satisfaction from finding discarded or thrift store materials and breathing new life into them. She also loves the idea that an odd assemblage of materials can somehow be greater than their individual parts.  (Mosaic products:  mirror frames, gazing orbs, tables.) When creating with pressed flowers and leaves, Joyce never cease to marvel at the gift of nature’s beauty. (Pressed flower products: jumbo refrigerator magnets, greeting cards, bookmarks, lampshades.)

Habeebah's Herbals, Reflexology & Aromatherapy Center
"It’s all about “chemistry and creativity.”   
Habeebah's Herbals natural and organic body products are wholistic and spiritually heart created, righteously made, and hand poured. They are formulated with the best ingredients and love. Our products are friendly human tested, again, again, and again!  No parabens, alcohols or unhealthy ingredients are used.  We produce natural and organic body butters, body scrubs, massage oils, facial products, hair products, body dusting powder, soaps, bath products, spiritual oils, soy candles, and more. The company also offer Reflexology and Aromatherapy services. Connect with Habeebah at www.habeebahsherbals.com or like her on Face Book - Habeebah’s Herbals.

Entertainment on the Way . . . 

Mark your calendars and join us on June 15th to enjoy Conjure Woman . . .

Conjure Woman is a Indie Blues/Roots/Americana band that formed in Washington DC in 2013. They are currently unsigned. Their music encompasses a wide range of material within the Americana Roots scene, from work songs and ring shouts to Delta blues, spirituals, mountain songs and rock and roll. The group named itself.  Conjure Woman......a classic yet timeless figure in the African American community who aided people when they had troubles (or “the blues”). She was highly respected, yet aloof and mysterious. Conjure Woman band members . . . Oma Pearl, Michelle Webb, Zenzi Miller, Kesha Jaramillo,Home Page: http://www.reverbnation.com/conjurewoman, Genres: Blues / Americana / Roots Music.

That's a wrap! We'll return in a couple of weeks with new and exciting news and adventures to share! And speaking of sharing . . . Feel free to pass this Blog along to your family and network of friends and colleagues. We hope to see you at the American Market soon!  

Lots of blessings!

Phyllicia and Mark
Market Masters
phyproductions123@gmail.com
http://www.phenomenalproductions.com
www.nationalhabor.com (click - Things to Do)

American Market at National Harbor

 on American Way  
(Between Fleet and Waterfront Streets)

May 4 - October 26, 2013

Saturdays

10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Managed by Phenomenal Productions LLC
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton and Mr. Mark A. Wilson

VENDORS

Farmers and Specialty Food Vendors

Tyson's Farms

Miller Farms

Allie and Trish Sweets

Big Poppa's Kettle Corn

Boordy Vineyards

Gone Greens (collard green condiments)

Gourmet Spices by Joni (dips/sauces)

G's Pierogies

Havana Banana Breads

Puddin’ (bread pudding)

TAMO Smoothies

The Sweetest Surrender (sorbet)

Wilhoit's Roasted Nuts

Artisans

Beads by Persia (jewelry – men, women, children)

Big Mama's Blessing Candles

Canvas Photography by Klaire and knitted puppy hats

Elements One (jewelry, travel candles)

ET Textiles (handbags)

Greystone Products (computer jewelry)

Habeebah's Herbals (skin and hair products)

Holley Blue Jewelry (silver jewelry)

K. Lynn Creations (ornaments, pillows)

Millie's Scented Rocks (aromatherapy)

NativeGrind (long boards)

Reinvented Elegance 

(jewelry created with recycled items, greeting cards, mosaics, ornaments)

Relaxing Arts 

(original watercolor, acrylic paintings, giclee prints, note cards, colored eggs, tea cozies)

Sugalump Boutique (children’s hair accessories)

Terry Martinez (recycled handmade leather accessories

American Market at National Harbor

Opening Day!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

(Google photo image)

Tis the season for farmer's markets! Markets have or preparing to open to consumers who know the value of wholesome, sustainable, tasty and affordable foods and to discover unique one of a kind handmade personal gifts for yourself or for  loved ones.  The American Market will open the gates on American Way and the residents at National Harbor, visitors from around the globe, folks attending reunions, weddings, and folks will gather weekly from around the way!

And there's great news! On your next visit to the news stand, pickup a copy of the April 19, 2013 issue of The Washington Business Journal, and review the Industry List of local farmer's markets in the D.C. region . . . Take note, American Market is #13 on the list!

Farmer's markets are popping up in many urban areas across the country and  they are becoming more popular in the Washington region. American Market is one of Maryland’s best kept secrets opening its sixth season in May. Artisans and specialty food vendors are signing up weekly to share and sell their handmade goods.

The farmer’s market is sponsored by and located at National Harbor, a 350-acre mixed use waterfront destination property in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  National Harbor’s residents and merchants and visitors are committed to supporting our local community, be it our local farmers, artists and even our schools—by bringing fresh nutritious food to our residents, giving our artists a place to sell and display their hard work and giving local entertainers and area school students to entertain guests and visitors.

American Market goers will discover bountiful selections of seasonal produce from local farmers including succulent fruits and flavorful vegetables, plants and flowers. Handmade goods from talented local artisans such as; sustainable products, jewelry, soy candles, personal care products, stunning photographs of Washington, D.C., artwork, hand designed skate boards, mouth-watering baked goods, sweet cooling sorbets, Brazilian chocolate Bigadeiros and ganaches, Pierogies, bread pudding, kettle corn, smoothies, and a delightful selection of wines from local Maryland wineries including Boordy Vineyards will also be available.

Some of my warmhearted memories . . .

From the time I was birthed into this world, my parents and grandparents always had a well balanced and healthy meals (breakfast, lunch, supper/dinner) on the table everyday. There was never a day that we did not have vegetables on our plates -- string beans, cabbage, broccoli, beets, lettuce, artichokes, leeks, zucchini, spinach, cauliflower, and more!  But there was one vegetable we always had every week -- greens! Rape, turnip, kale, mustard, cress, and collard greens! And my sister and I learned how to pick, clean and cook all types of greens.

Like most humans, my beloved parents were the type that believed in "traditions."  Without missing a beat, every year mother would cook up a huge meal for New Years Eve; inviting family, neighbors, folks from the workplace and even strangers to enjoy and welcome in a new year.  

One of those traditions mother absolutely would not excuse was allowing a woman to enter the house when the clock struck midnight -- sorta like a Cinderella story, without the glass slippers.  As the first guests arrived she would never allow the first person to enter the house unless it was a man . . . Never mind male "gallantry."  My mother did not miss a beat when it came to this thing she insisted upon -- a gentleman had to cross her threshold at 12:01 a.m.  And believe it or not, women had to wait outdoors before entering the house. Often, I would have to stand in the cold once arriving at the house after night watch service. She would not allow me to come in the house before a man had entered! You had to love her!

Other traditions we shared was the meal; the right food had to be on the table . . . Black eyed peas for luck and collard greens for money! These two food items were the basic necessities to anticipate a great year to come. Needless to say, all of the other twenty "soul" food items placed on the table was enjoyed only to fill the tummy!

 American Market Food Vendor Highlights

We are excited to have another new specialty food vendor at the American Market who has taken a long loved vegetable to a new level . . . Enessilee "Nessa" McClain, founder of www.GoneGreens.com has created a variety of products made with collard greens! 

    "GoneGreens LLC was launched in 2012; the company is an extension of the culinary vision, created from the owner’s first and well received cookbook - The Worlds Gone Collard Greens. The company has ventured into developing innovative methods for the home cooks, specialty stores, restaurants, and caterers to experience collard greens on a totally different level; collard greens are an everyday love affair. Gone Greens, LLC is motivated to transform the collard green into a daily cooking staple, comparable to broccoli, spinach and lettuce. Presently, the company offers collard green based condiments, which are made fresh daily and are branded as FlaVor BleNds. Our Pesto, Chutney, Chili Paste and Pico de Gallo Flavor Blends are great multicultural condiments that are wonderful addition to the American meal experience."

And they're healthy too!

Not only are collard greens delicious, they are very nutritious and are packed with great health benefits!  According to the web site, Nutrition-and-You.com, "collard greens are a highly nutritious staple green “cabbage-like leaves” vegetable. Collards are one of the most popular members of the Brassica family, closely related to kale and cabbage and could be described as a non-heading (acephalous) cabbage. Botanically, the greens are named as Brassica oleracea L. (Acephala group)"

Included below are additional health benefits and facts about collard greens . . .  
Or any type of "green" for that matter!

“Folates, rich in vitamin-C, provides about 59% of RDA per 100 g. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural anti-oxidant that offers protection against free radical injury and flu-like viral infections.Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin-A (222% of RDA per 100 g) and carotenoid anti-oxidants such as lutein, carotenes, zea-xanthin, crypto-xanthin, This leafy vegetable contains amazingly high levels of vitamin-K, a vitamin that has a potential role in the increase of bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bone. It also has the beneficial effect in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in their brain.  Collards are rich in many vital B-complex groups of minerals such as niacin (vitamin B-3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and riboflavin. And the leaves and stems are good in minerals like iron, calcium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc.”

Another delicious and healthy product . . . 

Kettle korn! Bigg Poppa's Kettle Corn has been a staple at the American Market for three seasons. A family owned and operated business headed by "Big Poppa," a.k.a. Emiliano Arenas, uses special blends for his freshly popped corn all day at the market. As illustrated on

(www.biggpoppa.com)

the www.biggpoppa.com, Emiliano shares,  

The Beginning of Bigpoppa Kettle Korn

"Finding its beginning eight years ago in Anchorage Alaska, Biggpoppa Kettle Korn continues to specialize in the world’s finest and unique gourmet kettle korn. It began as a means to raise money for those in need and still maintains its commitment to helping others through charitable donations. Seeing how kettle korn was virtually unknown to the east coast, in 2005, Biggpoppa decided to move the operation down to Maryland. We began by vending kettle korn in DC at Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market and other events within the DC Metropolitan area, later moving on to providing our fresh popped kettle korn at FedEx Field, home of the Washington Redskins. 

Starting out by offering just the Original Style Kettle Korn variety, Emiliano began introducing unique flavors unlike any other throughout the world."

"Producing four of our flavors all indicative of the same alluring aroma, crunchy sweet and lightly salted glaze of the Original Style Kettle Korn, with a twist. Each flavor was revealed at the DC Metropolitan Food, Libations & Luxury Home Show, which turned out to be big hits. Today, they are still dedicating to providing the gourmet kettle korn our loyal customers have come to love and expect. Always providing flavorful, hand popped kettle korn using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients."  And we must not forget the health benefits, "whole grains contain as much as four times the amount of dietary fiber than that found in refined grains, and has been shown to reduce the incidence of some forms of cancer, digestive system maladies, gum and coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes." 

American Market

Our farmers, food vendors and artisans are thrilled to begin this new season. To help you navigate your way through the farmer's stands and as you prepare your weekly shopping list, included below are the seasonal fruits, vegetables, and plantings that are ripe and ready for  picking or planting!

April - Bedding plants, fresh flowers, vegetable plants, asparagus, beets, greens (cooking), greens (salad), onions, turnips

May - rhubarb, strawberries, asparagus, beans (snap), beets, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, potatoes, spinach turnips, Bedding plants, fresh flowers, vegetable plants, beets, greens (cooking), greens (salad), onions, turnips

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Come out and join us every week!
 Enjoy the atmosphere and support our farmers, vendors and artisans!

www.nationalharbor.com, 

click "Things to Do"  then go to American Market
Every Saturday, May 4 until October 26, 2013

You may also find us on:  

Fresh Nation, Patch, USDA, So Maryland, So Good, 

MD Department of Agriculture,Crafter's News, Agritourism World, Lacartes, 
Fodor's, LocalHarvest, Sproutrade, HUFED, NGFN, FaceBook and Twitter

American Market is produced and managed by:

Phenomenal Productions LLC

Phyllicia M. Hatton and Mark A. Wilson, Market Masters   

(301) 910-8076 ~ phyproductions123@gmail.com 

Farmers/growers, food vendors and artisans are welcome to apply!