Winter

December 20–March 20
Winter is a well-deserved respite for many farmers, yet it holds just as much delicious produce as the rest of the seasons.
Citrus in the form of kumquats, grapefruits, lemons, mandarins, and navel oranges dominate the fruit scene; supplemented by subtropical fruits from Southern California, like cherimoya, white guava, and kiwi. Though apples and Asian pears are no longer in their harvest season, they are available through winter thanks to cold storage. And of course, vendors will have dried versions of your favorite summer produce available year round.
Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and rutabagas turn sweeter as the cold weather encourages starch to convert to sugar. Roast them up with winter squash or potatoes, which should also be available through the winter via cold storage.
Cruciferous crops such as cauliflower, kohlrabi, romanesco, broccoli, and collards, thrive in the cool, wet, Californian winter, and are plentiful throughout the season. Leafy salad greens, chicory, and arugula are milder in the winter months, and asparagus begins its run in the market by mid-February.
Dungeness crab should still be available, but in limited quantities depending on how long the catch lasts. Eggs will be available throughout the season, but pastured hens lay fewer during the shorter days. Milk production also slows, so some vendors may not be at the market, though the aged cheese selection will still be diverse.
Bulb flowers will begin to bloom in January. Look for narcissus, daffodils, tulips, and irises from our flower producers.
Towards the end of winter, February’s green garlic and spring onions in March will begin the market’s transition back into spring.
Winter Recipes
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Lion's Head MeatballsBrandon Jew, Mister Jiu’s in Chinatown |
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Ceviche de Palmito & Pomelo (Tangy Heart of Palm & Citrus Ceviche)Mariana Velásquez, Colombiana |
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Grilled Carrots with Herby Coconut Yogurt and Spicy Beet VinaigretteGregory Gourdet, Everyone’s Table |
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Lentil and Pecan Filled Acorn Squash with Sage Fried Brown ButterAbra Berens, Grist |
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Bitter Greens with Oranges and HazelnutsDawn Perry, Ready, Set, Cook |
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Articles Tagged with Winter
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February 11, 2022True Love for Local FlowersEvery rose has its thorn–and a heavy carbon footprint, too. Try farmers market blooms this Valentine’s Day instead. |
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January 03, 2022Farmers Market Treats for Valentine's DayIndulge your loved ones and yourself with locally grown flowers and treats from the farmers market. |
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November 15, 2021CUESA's Farmers Market Winter Holiday GuideFind delicious and unique gifts while supporting local farmers and food crafters at CUESA’s farmers markets. |
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October 28, 2021Squash Goals: A Farmers Market Guide to Winter SquashMove over, pumpkin and butternut. Discover the wonderful, warty world of winter squash at the farmers market. |
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February 05, 2021Crumble & Whisk Offers Love and Community, in Cheesecake FormLove can come in all forms, and for Charles Farriér, owner of Crumble & Whisk, love means cheesecake. |
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About CUESA
CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is dedicated to growing thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. Learn More »