February Farmers Markets
February is cold and often snowy, but that doesn’t stop the February farmers markets! Though there may be less options at the February farmers markets, there is still plenty to enjoy.
My local February farmers market may have half the vendors, but those that remain have plenty of customers, no matter the weather. I see few vegetable and fruit options, but there is meat, dairy, baked goods, mushrooms, microgreens, and many prepared food people available.
When the weather is cold, you have more time to talk with farmers about their foods. You can enjoy the fresh air and support the farmers who are able to sell you delicious food year round.
Local fruits by now are limited to apples, while local vegetables are mostly roots and squashes. I’ve seen broccoli, and hardy greens like kale. The microgreen farms are ready to offer fresh greens if you want as well.
You’ll see meats, dairy, seafood, along with eggs, olive oil, coffee, and baked goods at the February farmers markets. It won’t be as crowded, so you can better see what is available around you.
February Farmers Markets
Onions
Parsnips
Potatoes
Spinach
Squash (winter)
Sweet Potatoes
Turnips
Fortunately, spring is coming! You know, crazy March that will go from cold to warm to freezing again. Vegetable farmers will begin growing their crops soon, and those that raise seasonal meat will begin as well.
My personal 2022 food challenge is going well, despite having less variety at the February farmers market. My goal is to make a fully local meal each week, and despite having COVID and the snow, I’ve succeeded!
In January, I made Yakisoba Chicken with local chicken, cabbage, onions, and carrots. Yakisoba is really easy to make and my kids love it.
I enjoyed roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts and homemade applesauce from fall. The heritage chicken was delicious.
I made a version of Korean bibimbap, with local vegetables, eggs, and meat on top of non local rice. I used local ground beef for the meat, which gave it an additional layer of flavor because my local ground beef really tastes like meat.
I also cooked up a local corned beef, with cabbage, carrots and potatoes, which was out of this world. Seriously. I love corned beef, but this was my first locally grown one, and it had a depth of flavor I didn’t expect.
Plenty of other meals had local ingredients, but weren’t fully local. This coming year I plan to get serious with my canning and can some tomatoes. I find myself reaching for commercial canned tomatoes a lot. I’d also like to freeze some summer vegetables for soups and stir fry options later.
Even with higher prices for locally grown meats, I always find myself so impressed at how a few locally grown ingredients can become such a highly flavored meal. I spend much less going out to eat when I know I can make better food at home.
I’ll continue going to the February farmers markets, and look forward to cooking delicious meals from them. How about you? What is your favorite thing to eat from the market?
