Local is Better: From Northern Virginia to Dubai

Posted by Sally Traynham / Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

On weekends during spring, summer and fall, many Northern Virginians, myself included, flock to farmers markets in search of fresh, local produce. During winter we miss the abundance of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits that are offered at these beloved stands.

This past week, I had the opportunity to travel to Dubai where I was able to quench my farmers market thirst by visiting a budding farmers market, the first of its kind in Dubai. The market takes place every Friday on a beautiful terrace of Souk Al Bahar and features fresh herbs, vegetables, hot peppers and fragrant spices along with prepared items, such as beautiful breads, kale chips, pastries, confections and an assortment of jams.

You might be thinking, “A farmer’s market in Dubai? Isn’t it mostly desert?”

While you are certainly true about the latter, you might be shocked (I know I was) that there are actually about 38,000 farms in the U.A.E. Many are located within Dubai, while others are rooted in neighboring cities like Abu Dhabi.

With today’s worldwide focus on local foods and reducing carbon footprints, this farmers market has the locals ecstatic. Why? Because many of the locals’ favorites, such as freshly squeezed juices, salads and pickled vegetables, feature fresh produce and fruits at their simplicity. With the market, they can now get these products at the peak of freshness from neighboring farms without a middleman. After experiencing many of these local delicacies first hand, I am not surprised by Dubai’s jump on the farmer’s market bandwagon.

One of my favorite things I tasted while in Dubai was a simple, tall glass of pomegranate juice. It was deep ruby in color and had the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a blaring freshness from being squeezed moments before.

As locals were showing me around, I had the opportunity to eat food that was truly authentic to that region. In Dubai every meal is a feast created from yogurt dips, hummus, pomegranate-dressed salads, fresh bread, fried lamb pieces, lentils, stewed okra, chicken and rice, tabbouleh and stuffed grape leaves. As the weather during this time of year is absolutely perfect, holding consistently around 75˚ with a slight breeze, everyone sits around for hours on end to enjoy the food and each other’s company.

[tips for the food desk]

Tags: Dubai, farmers' market, food, Gut Check, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, Sally Traynham