The Baltimore Orchard Project (BOP) is set to host its delightful event, Mulberry Madness, on June 20 at the Waverly Farmer’s Market.
In celebration of this fruit-filled season, BOP held a poetry competition encouraging students to draw inspiration from the mulberry. The winners will be revealed at the BOP stand during the festival at 11:15 a.m. The high school category victor will receive a $100 prize along with a native fruit tree of their selection, and they will have the opportunity to read their poem at the event. Meanwhile, the elementary and middle school winner will earn $50 and also choose a native fruit tree.
Attendees at Mulberry Madness can look forward to an array of free samples including mulberry jam provided by Atwaters, delicious mulberry-inspired treats from Gertrude’s restaurant, and a special mulberry-infused cocktail mix available for purchase from Baltimore Spirits.
This vibrant festival is dedicated to celebrating the mulberry, a fruit that is both native to Maryland and often overlooked. Despite its reputation for staining cars and pavements, the mulberry is flavorful and can be enjoyed in various snacks, preserves, and pies. To enhance the fruit’s reputation, market visitors can pick up a complimentary recipe booklet featuring instructions for making muffins, cobbler, and other delightful dishes with mulberries.
Additionally, those residing in Baltimore City can benefit from the opportunity to receive a free fruit tree or shrub on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, when they visit the market on June 20.
The Baltimore Orchard Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collaborating with schools, community groups, and local neighborhoods to establish orchards and cultivate native fruit trees. Their mission focuses on fostering vibrant ecosystems and providing fresh food sources in urban areas where access to healthy options is often limited. Since its establishment, BOP has successfully harvested thousands of pounds of food donations and planted numerous fruit and nut trees to enhance food availability for those in need.
Waverly Farmer’s Market is situated at 400 E. 32nd Street, Baltimore, MD, and operates from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
