The presents have been unwrapped and the new year is underway, but as you draft your new year's resolutions, don’t forget about eating locally and reducing your food miles! California’s mild climate means that farmers’ markets are selling all kinds of fresh produce even in the dead of winter.
If you think Christmas dinner is the only time to use your local produce, think again! Take your winter apple surplus and make some apple cider or applesauce from scratch! If you’re struggling to stick to healthy eating resolutions, try whipping up some dark chocolate (local!) blood orange slices. Get creative with your produce—local farmers can only sell what they’ve grown, and by buying local, you’re working to help your community this winter.
Here are a few local farmers’ markets and their produce in season. (The Farmers’ Market Finder will help you locate all the nearby markets.)
Walnut Creek Downtown Market
Open year-round, Sundays – 9am – 1pm
What’s in season: apples, avocado, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kiwi, lemons, oranges, sweet potatoes, turnips
Walnut Creek Shadelands Market
Open year-round, Saturdays – 9am – 1pm
What’s in season: apples, navel and Mandarin oranges, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, chard, squash, sweet potatoes, fresh flowers
Brentwood Farmers’ Market
Open year-round, Saturdays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
What’s in season: apples, almonds, apples, beets, lemons, carrots, walnuts
Danville Farmers’ Market
Open year-round, Saturdays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
What’s in season: potatoes, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, arugula, bok choy, apples, grapefruit, lemons, asian pears
Moraga’s Farmers’ Market
Open year-round, Saturdays 9:00am - 1:00pm
What’s in season: apples, carrots, beets, broccoli, potatoes, grapes, arugula, fennel, persimmons, squash, pomegranate
Orinda Farmers’ Market
Open Year Round, Saturdays – 9am – 1pm
What’s in season: radishes, rutabaga, carrots, cilantro, apples, butternut squash, arugula
Buy Local, Buy Organic is also an action on the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. Check out the platform to explore more actions to complete this winter.
Photo credit: https://asapconnections.org/find-local-food/farmers-markets/asap-farmers-market/
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