This past December didn’t bring the same significant snowfall and freezing temperatures we’ve seen in recent years, and as a result we’re seeing some unexpected produce at winter farmers tailgate markets alongside winter stalwarts like sweet potatoes, apples, and collard greens.
broccoli
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, cabbage, and other brassicas have returned to farmers tailgate markets for the fall. These crops make a quick appearance in late spring and early summer, then fade away over the hottest part of the season, returning when the days lengthen and evenings start to cool off. Cruciferous vegetables can make wonderful, hearty comfort food dishes that actually impart a few health benefits as well (like high levels of vitamins C and K).
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
This week has felt like the apex of summer, though on the farm the season’s harvest is just moving into high gear. After one of the wettest years in recent memory, farmers are compensating for unseasonably warm temperatures and a lack of rain right now. But that hasn’t stopped new produce from making its way to farmers tailgate markets.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Vegetables are not necessarily relegated to one season only; some produce is available twice a year. This is due to their preference for the moderate temperatures of spring and fall. It’s incredibly exciting knowing that your favorite vegetable will be back again, fresh and local at area farmers tailgate markets, in just a few months.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Unique to area farmers tailgate markets are the moments that shoppers share with farmers and each other when they express enthusiasm for a new produce item: that excitement of finding your favorite fruit that has finally arrived at market; of finding a new variety of veggie that you hadn’t known existed; of finding a food your family cooked for you as a kid. For some folks, summer squash — particularly zucchini — can elicit such an exchange.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Amidst the hype of strawberries, more delicious new spring fruits and veggies continue to arrive at area farmers tailgate markets. Broccoli, rhubarb, garlic scapes, and snap peas are all making their debut.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Things are cooling down at area farmers tailgate markets. Most area farms experienced frost conditions this past week. Frost can mean trouble for some crops, but for others it is a welcome occurrence — it can sweeten some vegetable varieties, and who doesn’t like their daily dose of vegetables to be sweeter?
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
With all the dry weather throughout the summer, farmers were hoping for rain, but as the adage goes, “be careful what you wish for.” Farmers have not been affected uniformly by the heavy rains that hit the region last week; each farm has different soil type, elevation/gradient of their fields, microclimate (which affected how much rain they got), and growing practices (raised beds, tunnels, etc). The variation in produce affected by the rain at area farmers tailgate markets this week will vary from farm to farm.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The times, they are a changin’ at area farmers tailgate markets. Some summer varieties won’t be around for much longer, and you should get them while you still can. Fall produce varieties are just now arriving, and we can look forward to them in the coming weeks.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This week
The recent heat and humidity are deceptively summer-like. Before the season is officially upon us, be sure to take advantage of the bounty of spring from area farmers tailgate markets. A wonderfully refreshing way to do that is with a fresh, crisp, and locally-sourced spring salad.