Never been to a farmers market? You might be surprised to learn that January is the perfect time to try one out. “If you’re a newbie, it’s nice to go in the winter because it’s not as overwhelming as the peak season,” says Juliet Glass, market manager and program manager of FreshFarm Markets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting local foods from the Chesapeake Bay region.
And if you’re a regular market-goer, don’t give up your weekend jaunts just because the cold weather blew in. Sure, you won’t find the tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries you enjoyed in warmer months. But winter markets have plenty of good stuff too. You’ll find meat, cheese, breads, pastas, sauces, soups and canned goods. Apples are also sold year-round. Because they are kept in cold storage facilities — giant warehouses where the oxygen is sucked out of the room — they stay perfectly crisp and taste as fresh as if they were just picked. Pears and other tree fruits are stored the same way and also sold throughout the year. Dark leafy greens are limited, but they are in season. Look for kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard and cabbage. “Leafy greens sell out quickly,” Glass says. “If you want them, show up a little before the market opens and be prepared to wait in a long line.” You may also find cauliflower, broccoli and a little seafood. Finally, root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, potatoes and winter squash are still being harvested now. Here are some of the local markets open all year round–even when the weather outside is frightful.
