A taste of summer in the winter.

During the summer months, there is a glut of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, crafts, and just about everything else at local farmers' markets. Our family makes it a point to visit any and all of the farmers' markets in our area as frequently as possible each summer, if not for the great food available then for the overall atmosphere. Fortunately, that same atmosphere is still available in the winter here in Connecticut, and in most every other New England state, in the form of winter farmers' markets!

 

There are many winter farmers' markets operating this year from one end of the state to the other. Some operate as indoor markets but a few of them actually maintain an outdoor presence despite the cold weather (or in the case of this year... the unseasonably warm weather). The Connecticut Department of Agriculture website maintains a list of winter farmers' market locations that include Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, North Guilford, Stonington, Coventry, Storrs, Hampton, and Westport. Similar lists are maintained by agencies that license farmers' markets in other states. The dates and times of operation for these markets varies in some cases, from once a week to once a month, so check the website link to see when the market in your area will be open. And if you are worried that a winter farmers' market might be a little lean on actual locally-grown food, here are some things you can expect:

 

Lettuces, arugula, bok choi, kale, collards, cabbage, chard, apples, cider, cranberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, leeks, garlic, radishes, mushrooms, fresh herbs, hops, lavender, wheat grass, beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips, winter squash, chicken, beef, pork, cheeses, eggs, honey, maple syrup, and lots of other great stuff!

 

So when (or if) the snow (eventually) hits the ground here in Connecticut and you start to feel the mid-winter blues, make it a point to visit one of the state's many winter farmers' markets. You might find it is just the little taste of summer you need to carry you through until spring.