Pickles, fruit under expressway

Every Sunday underneath the Jones Falls Expressway on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay Street, Baltimore Farmer’s Market & Bazaar cries “come one, come all!” as it welcomes in its 36th season. The farmer’s market runs from Apr. 7 through Dec. 22, and begins every Sunday morning at 7 a.m. until things sell out, usually around noon. Regardless of the heat or cold, tarmacs, stands and fresh produce galore are piled high in clusters all around the base of the expressway. The market is designated as “producers-only” and is the largest in Maryland. There are vendors from 15 different counties with the largest number of vendors hailing from Virginia.

Bright and early at the ungodly hour of 8:00 a.m., I followed my roommate out into the humidity of early September. Rows and rows of fresh flowers soaking in glass jars paraded their bright hues. Organic, handmade soaps, vintage apparel and other artsy consumer products catered to vegan hipsters. For those trying to kill a leftover late night/ early morning craving, food vendors were everywhere, strewn between every flower stall and fresh produce stand.

From Salt River Lobster, to Savory Bean Soup, to Thai Egg Rolls and the infamous Zeke’s Coffee & Accessories (be patient, the line piles up!), the market is a foodie’s haven. Countless types of apples and various fruits can be found from local farms and orchards and samples are cut in slices directly from a fresh apple and handed to you. As for prices go, it’s a tad higher than generic groceries stores. Spending $1.99 a pound for Early Fuji apples is a steal, considering the quality.

Cash is a must-have, as few vendors take credit.

For your first trip, I recommend the following:

1. Infused Spreads — coincidentally also sold in Char Mar —  a simple and delicious selection of spreads —  my personal favorite is the Plum Lavender Jam.

2. Brooks Salsa —  not only is Brooks himself an interesting guy, he makes the most mouth watering salsa in two flavors: Black Bean and Garden Tomato.

3. Mallow Crunchies —  organic rice crispies, indulgence without the guilt.

4. In A Pickle —  for those who shy away from pickled things in general, beware. A variety of pickles, sauerkraut, and olives are offered, all floating in distinct concoctions.

And for those simply looking for an early morning stroll complete with interesting characters and delicious smells, be sure to visit the vendors working the Dangerously Delicious Pies —  a bunch of swashbuckling pirate types that are ready to entertain.

Though a big attraction and hotspot for locals, the Baltimore’s Farmer Market & Bazaar is a hidden gem because of its unorthodox location. However, the vitality of the locals mixed with the vendors amid the graffiti’d walls and the buzzing of cars overhead represents an atmosphere that is truly, and distinctly, B-More.