Living in Bethesda, Maryland

The new roomies: Catherine and Audrey exploring the
Bethesda Farmers Markets.

As I begin my new adventure in Washington, D.C., I have been reflecting on what it means for me to "eat locally". Does this mean I care about how far my food has traveled, whether it's organic, or whether I know the source of this food? After stepping away from our routine in Somerville, Massachusetts and trying to stock my pantry here in Bethesda, Maryland, I have realized that I care most about my food's origins. My produce may or may not be certified organic, depending on a farm's abilities to pay for this certification; the food I buy may or may not come from within a certain distance from my home; however, I do care that I understand where and how this food was produced. If I know by whom, then all the better!

The biggest sweet potatoes I have ever seen - at the Bethesda Farmers Market!

For instance, as I embark on a traditional 9-to-5 job and spend many weekends commuting between Boston and D.C., I realize that I will have dramatically less time to spend in the kitchen. So, on my first trip to Trader Joe's here in Bethesda, I just bought what I wanted: boxed soup, sliced bread, jarred tomato sauce, and (yippeee!) lemons. I found myself questioning each of these purchases in the context of our commitment to local food, but not in the face of convenience. Then it came to the question of origins: should I spend $10 to buy a small log of goat cheese at the farmer's market here in Bethesda, or continue to support the Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery that makes the goat cheese I can get at Trader Joe's? (Being more frugal, I'll be going with the Vermont goat cheese I can get at Trader Joe's, but it's also a cheese I know I love and want to support.)

The Bethesda Central Farmers Market - I like the contrast between this new and fast-growing city's buildings and the quaint tents and slow pace of the farmers market.

To my great joy, Bethesda has 3 weekly farmers markets near the Metro stop (the Bethesda Central Farmers Market and the Bethesda Farmers Market), and Andrew has been willing to bring me meat and veggies from our CSA shares - if he's going to fly anyway, why not make it worth our tummies' while? Thanks to my new roommate, Audrey, I have started reading Flavor magazine, which addresses sustainable eating in the Capital "foodshed," and provides much interesting information about the very popular local movement here in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. For now, I'm taking it slowly, but am enjoying exploring all the exciting food options! This weekend I managed West Virginia scrambled eggs and Appalachian cheese for lunch...