Wintry Local Food Mix

As if you didn't have enough compelling reasons to love Western Massachusetts! In this snowy region of the states, we have an abundance and variety of lovely, organic, local produce. And, to top it off, we can access these local veggies throughout the winter at the Northampton Winter Farmers Market.  I have to give a shout out to  CISA's (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) dedication to growing and enhancing our local food system. CISA is responsible for a Buy Local campaign  & for collaborating with communities to bring these markets to Greenfield, Springfield, Northampton and Amherst. The Northampton Market is held on Saturdays from 9-2 at Smith Vocational High School.

Believe it or not, even teenagers love

The Northampton Winter Market. 

One of the old standbys of the Winter Farmer's Market is Winter Moon Roots. This farm is truly committed to sustainability, with a plan to become carbon neutral by 2015 and they often deliver their produce to market by bicycle. The produce is some of the best of the valley, benefiting from the rich soil along the Connecticut River in Hadley.  Just thinking about the carrots and watermelon radish makes my mouth water. I often roast them together with olive oil to bring out their flavor. Add some seasoning and herbs and you have an outstanding veggie-driven side, sure to be enjoyed by all. 

And, the Winter Moon prices are so reasonable! Sweet, sweet carrots for the same price as the whittled down & bagged commercial carrots traveling by truck from hundreds of miles away.

Winter Moon, delivering the finest

in root veggies

One very full hand of carrots. Just gorgeous. 

This Farmers Market's resident Barrista was delivering outstanding coffee to sleepy morning shoppers.  Meet Western Woods.  In the style of a food truck, they are delivering great coffee from small batch roasters at many events throughout Western Massachusetts. They are also available for catering gigs. 

We loved their business card display. 

They have a clean and simple coffee system. 

Local farmer and CSA, Kitchen Garden of Sunderland, MA, had a variety of produce available and herbs on hand. They also are producing a local Sriracha sauce. I made sure I got my hands on a bottle, especially considering the recent Hoy Fong Sriracha concerns. : ) You don't want to run out of this essential condiment! 

Fresh thyme in winter was a nice surprise 

from Kitchen Garden

You can find just about everything you need from the winter market, including superior baked goods from Bread Euphoria and El Jardin, fresh pastas, honey, cheese, grass fed meet, eggs and lots of winter vegetables. We are looking forward to enjoying our golden beets, blue potatoes and onions. And, of course, Dani couldn't resist the apples of Apex Orchards, an orchard in Shelburne Falls that has been supplying fresh produce since 1828. 

All the apples were great. 

But, Macouns are the best! 

And, last, but not least, we picked up some body enhancing gifts at Simple Abundance herbals of Northampton. I think we got everything covered. 

All of your tinctures, lotions and rubs

I highly recommend that you stop by the Northampton Market sometime soon. It's a great place to bump into old friends and to support your local farmer, food purveyor and community. Hope to see you there!