I got locally grown foods - in mid-January!

Now, if you’ve followed my site for awhile, you know that in the winter, I will post once or twice about getting locally grown and produced items in the midst of wintertime.

But how?

It starts with connections. You might not have those connections right now, but it’s something to prepare for with the next Farmers Market season right around the corner!

I am not going to mention the name of the growers who supply us with wintertime goodness, because I don’t want them inundated at this point. Let’s face it. It’s winter. And, while they do grow cherry tomatoes under grow lights, their production is limited. They do have about eight customers they supply including me.

Here are a few things to consider for the upcoming Farmers Market season and ways to make those connections that can carry on to wintertime goodness…..

1. Start a conversation. If a grower has a vegetable or product you are not familiar with, ask! They love to share information.

2. Ask how to prepare it and care or store it. Oftentimes you can get recipes or great ideas for meals!

3. Visit them often. I don’t mean go back to their stand seven times in one day….But stop by each time you go to the market. Say hi!

4. Pick up their business card or farm information they provide. Not every Farmers Market vendor may have one, but take the info from those that do. And, if you are interested in their baked goods or other products and they don’t have information, ask if they would make something outside the Farmers Market season. We had a couple guys at the Fergus Falls Farmers Market this past year who did some fantastic baked goods. They were engaging to talk to, as well!

5. What I said in the last note goes for produce, too! At the end of the season when you see someone with root vegetables or canned goods, ask if they would have product available during the winter. Be prepared that they may run out in wintertime, but it’s a way to establish that connection. You won’t know unless you ask. Some producers will have items during winter and others won’t.

6. If you know growers like I know growers, they are always thinking of ways to tweak the growing season whether it’s a high tunnel or greenhouse set up or placing plants under grow lights. That’s how we get our cherry tomatoes from our growers. They had some cherry tomato plants from last season they brought in the house - they had room, they said - and, with grow lights, the plants have continued to thrive. Plus, they are growing some by seed and those should be ready within the next month, I learned. They also grow sweet peppers.

And look for local in your neighborhood stores!

You won’t find this in a big box store, super center grocery or the dollar store’s grocery area, but the mom and pop grocery stores, food co-ops and specialty stores will have locally grown and produced items. They might have locally raised meats (those are processed at local meat markets with a USDA license) plus jams and jellies, locally raised honey, maple syrups and spice mixes.

When Chef Leon and I started our Locally Grown Meals, we talked about all the local items we use on a regular basis without giving it a second thought! Why, we use Millerville Co-op Creamery butter and the maple syrup that’s made in Vergas plus local honey!

So next time you prepare a meal, think of what you might add that has a local connection. And start thinking of the Farmers Market and connections. You not only will get some great ingredients for meals, but you may also establish some strong friendships!

Think local and blessings on this winter’s day!

Buy Me A Coffee! Help support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. When you click on the link, you will get to Buy Me A Coffee and you can leave a donation either a one time tip or ongoing support. The funds help with website costs plus travel to do interviews and the purchase of local foods for our Locally Grown Meal. I thank you for your support.

Check it out at : buymeacoffee.com/thelocalgrR