Leesburg Winter Farmers Market

While small, the Leesburg Winter Farmers Market fills the void during winter months for fresh, local produce. And as the weather grows warmer, the variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits will only continue to grow. The winter market, located at the Virginia Village Shopping Center on Catoctin Circle, runs through April 30.

In early March, I was surprised to see how much produce is already ripe and ready for consumption. While the market is understandably smaller in size than your traditional summer farmers market, participating growers sell a wide range of goods.

Farmers offered a selection of arugula, mushrooms, spinach, winter squash, watercress, dandelion greens, kale and apples. In addition to fresh produce, there were several booths selling organic meats, farm fresh free-range duck and chicken eggs, fresh cheeses, homemade breads and pastries and even salsas and tamales.

The Haskins Family Farm booth had a mouthwatering meat selection complete with smoked turkey bacon, sausage made with chorizo, sage and Italian parsley, and ground turkey breast. 

For those looking to start their own garden, Glascock’s Produce currently has speckled romaine, thyme, cilantro, Italian parsley and bok choi starter plants.

The market has more than just good food — Winding Woods Farm had a table filled with various homemade milk soaps. All the soaps are made with goat’s milk from the Purcellville farm. 

So, as the area thaws, kick off springtime by making a trip to the Leesburg Farmers Market for some healthy produce that directly supports the local economy.

The Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Association, which is a group of local farmers and producers, operates the market. All produce sold at the market is grown or raised within a 125-mile radius of Leesburg. The market allows for customers to buy directly from the farmer, in an attempt strengthen the local economy while preserving local farmland and a farming tradition.

The market opens from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.