Eating Local in the Shoulder Season
Natick Community Organic Farm participates in Natick's Winter Market
Winter farmer’s markets are a growing trend, but what about spring markets? At least in my neck of the woods (Boston), many off-season markets close up in March (this includes the Natick and Wayland winter markets). So while I was happily munching locally grown lettuce in February, the past few months I’ve had to make due with organic lettuce from California (courtesy of Whole Foods).
As interest in local food continues to grow, I suspect that many off-season markets will continue straight on through until the “regular” farmer’s market season starts up in June or July. But in the meantime, how are we localvores going to satisfy our hunger for fresh, local fare?
In my area (Brookline-Newton-Needham) there are a few places where you can find local produce in the spring including:
- Allandale Farm in Brookline is selling produce at its farm stand. Today when I called they had rhubarb, kale, scallions and spring garlic.
- The Dedham Square Country Store is not so much a store as a traditional farmer’s market that sells local fare (much more than produce) every Sunday from 10-2. I have yet to visit this market but hope to soon (If you have visited, please share your comments) .
- Newton Community Farm is scheduled to open its farm stand this Sunday, May 16th.
- Stillman’s Farm located in New Braintree sells produce as it becomes available in Jamaica Plain (Bank of America parking lot, 677 Centre Street) on Saturdays from 12-3. Contact Stillmans for more information about availability and schedule. Stillmans also sells locally, sustainably raised meat as well.
If you live elsewhere in Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Connecticut, visit Farm Fresh to find farmers markets, farm stands, etc. in your neck of the woods (hint: click on your region in the map in the upper right hand corner to find farms close to you). Farm Fresh is a fantastic resource: you can search not only by location but also by food. It also contains lists of local food artisans and restaurants, retailers and caterers that source locally. For those of you who live outside this region there is a similar national directory called Local Harvest, although I have found that it isn’t always current.
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Natick Community Organic Farm has its own farm stand. Currently, the Farm is selling it’s own, certified-organic asparagus, spinach, and lettuce. Radishes are around the corner.
Comment by Goatgirl — May 12, 2010 @ 3:39 am
Thanks for adding Natick Community Organic Farm to this list!
Comment by Rachel White — May 12, 2010 @ 7:45 am
In Uptown Minneapolis we have farmer markets and many local establishments within walking distance of wonderful “Green” communities like the Blue Apartments. It’s as great way to keep things Green in Mpls!
Comment by Minneapolis Apartments — May 28, 2010 @ 3:45 pm