Union Market in Washington DC buzzes with fresh local produce and seasonal plants. Colorful fruits and vegetables sit alongside vibrant greenery, creating a feast for the senses.
Vendors share their passion and tips, adding personality to every stall. The market hums with energy, drawing in locals and visitors alike. Each visit feels lively, full of flavor, and alive with community spirit.
1. Heirloom Tomatoes
These colorful gems arrive at Union Market in mid-summer, bursting with flavors you won’t find in grocery stores. Maryland farmers bring varieties in sunset hues from deep purple to bright yellow.
Each has its own unique taste profile – some sweet, others tangy with complex undertones. DC chefs often visit early mornings to snag the best selection for their farm-to-table restaurants.
2. Sweet Corn
Nothing says summer in DC like fresh-picked sweet corn, with varieties that snap with juiciness when you bite into them. Farmers from Virginia’s fertile valleys deliver their harvest daily, often picked just hours before arriving.
The market vendors will tell you their secret – don’t shuck until ready to cook for maximum sweetness. Many shoppers make this their first stop, especially during the peak July-August season.
3. Baby Kale
Far more tender than its mature counterpart, baby kale has become a staple for health-conscious Washingtonians. Local urban farms in the District grow these delicate greens year-round in specialized greenhouse setups.
The smaller leaves pack the same nutritional punch but with a milder flavor that works beautifully in salads. Market regulars know to arrive early on Saturday mornings when fresh batches appear at the popular Greenleaf stall.
4. Honey Crisp Apples
Fall in Washington brings these prized apples to Union Market, where their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness draws crowds. Pennsylvania orchards supply the market with their premium crop, often still carrying the morning dew.
Their distinctive crunch and juicy interior make them ideal for both snacking and baking. DC residents mark their calendars for mid-September when the first batches arrive, knowing the season is fleeting but magnificent.
5. Rainbow Chard
With stems in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and pink, rainbow chard brings artistic flair to Union Market’s produce section. Maryland’s sustainable farms cultivate these nutritional powerhouses using organic methods that enhance their natural colors.
The mild flavor appeals to even picky eaters when sautéed with garlic and olive oil. DC cooking classes often feature this versatile green in demonstrations at the market’s culinary corner every other Sunday.
6. Fingerling Potatoes
These small, finger-shaped potatoes with buttery texture have gained a devoted following among DC’s home cooks and professional chefs alike. Virginia’s rich soil produces exceptionally flavorful varieties in purple, yellow, and red hues.
Roasted whole with skin on, they develop a delightful crispy exterior while staying creamy inside. Market vendors often share recipe cards featuring simple preparations that highlight their natural earthiness and unique shapes.
7. Microgreens
These tiny powerhouses pack more nutrients per ounce than their full-grown counterparts, making them popular with health-conscious DC residents. Urban farmers within the District grow these delicate greens in specialized indoor facilities year-round.
Their concentrated flavors range from spicy to nutty depending on the variety. Market regulars know to visit the Tiny Greens stand where they can sample different options before selecting their perfect flavor profile.
8. Purple Asparagus
This stunning violet variety appears briefly each spring, creating excitement among DC’s culinary enthusiasts. Maryland farms harvest these tender spears during their short season, delivering them to Union Market at peak freshness.
Sweeter than green varieties with a delicate, nutty flavor that shines when lightly steamed. Market vendors recommend enjoying them within two days of purchase, as their natural sugars convert quickly after harvesting.
9. Watermelon Radishes
Slice into these unassuming pale green globes to reveal a stunning pink interior that resembles their namesake fruit. Virginia farmers cultivate these eye-catching vegetables that have become Instagram favorites at DC dinner parties.
Their peppery flavor mellows when roasted but shines in raw applications like salads and crudité platters. Market shoppers often gather around demonstration tables where vendors show proper cutting techniques to showcase their dramatic coloring.
10. Foraged Mushrooms
Professional foragers bring their woodland treasures to Union Market, offering varieties you’ll never find in supermarkets. Maryland’s forests yield seasonal finds like morels in spring and chanterelles in summer, each with distinct earthy profiles.
Knowledgeable vendors provide cooking tips and storage advice for these delicate fungi. DC chefs often arrive before dawn to secure the most prized specimens, though plenty remain for home cooks seeking culinary adventure.
11. Lavender Plants
The gentle fragrance draws shoppers to these beautiful perennials that thrive in the DC region’s climate. Virginia nurseries supply Union Market with several varieties, including English and French types with different bloom colors.
Beyond their aromatic qualities, these plants attract beneficial pollinators to gardens. Market staff provide care instructions tailored to Washington’s specific growing conditions, ensuring your plant thrives through hot summers.
12. Ornamental Peppers
These decorative plants feature colorful fruits in shades from purple to red, often with multiple colors appearing simultaneously. Maryland growers cultivate compact varieties perfect for DC apartments and small outdoor spaces.
While technically edible, most people choose these for their visual appeal rather than flavor. The market’s plant experts suggest placing them in sunny window spots where their changing colors can be appreciated throughout their growing cycle.
13. Flowering Cabbage
When autumn arrives in DC, these ornamental plants bring texture and color to outdoor spaces with their ruffled, painted-looking leaves. Virginia growers supply frost-tolerant varieties that maintain their beauty through early winter.
Their pink, purple, and white centers intensify as temperatures drop, creating natural artwork. Market vendors position these alongside other cool-weather plants, creating inspiring seasonal displays that help Washingtonians transition their gardens into fall.
14. Miniature Citrus Trees
These compact trees bearing tiny fruits bring Mediterranean charm to DC homes and patios. Specialty nurseries in Maryland cultivate these dwarf varieties that produce actual lemons, limes, or kumquats despite their small size.
Their glossy leaves and fragrant blossoms offer year-round appeal beyond the fruit. Market horticulturists provide specialized care instructions for growing citrus in Washington’s climate, including overwintering strategies for these tender plants.
15. Air Plants
These soil-free wonders have captivated DC’s apartment dwellers with their unique growth habit and minimal care requirements. Specialized plant vendors bring diverse varieties with different shapes – from bulbous to spidery – all thriving without traditional potting.
Their adaptability makes them perfect for Washington’s busy professionals. Market displays showcase creative mounting options using driftwood, shells, and hanging glass globes that transform these plants into living art.