The arrival of fall in Birmingham usually means some relief from the long hot days of summer, but it also means the end of another season of farmers markets. As we prepare to offer a fond farewell to the abundance of locally grown foods, many of us are left feeling slighted at having to go without through the cold weather months. Just because the farmers markets close up shop however, doesn’t mean the farmers stop growing, or better yet, that fresh, local food is no longer available-you just have to know how to shop for it elsewhere.
The Birmingham Farmers Market, located at 344 Finley Ave. West in Jefferson County, is one of the state’s longest running, indoor farmers markets. Open year round, the Alabama Farmers Market is both a wholesale and retail market, housing more than 500 farmers and vendors annually. Situated on 49 acres of land, it is the largest farmers market in the state, offering visitors a wide variety of seasonal produce and other locally grown foods. The Alabama Farmers Market also carries a unique selection of specialty items brought in from all over Alabama.During the off season (fall and winter months) the market is open daily from 6 am-5 pm. For more information, visit, http://www.
Although most well known as a spring and summer venue, The Pepper Place Saturday Market remains open throughout the fall and into mid December-long after many of its competitors have succumbed to the cooler weather. Open from 7 am-noon, each Saturday of the week, the Pepper Place Market features a variety of locally grown produce and hand crafted goods, all provided from regional farmers, beekeepers, bakers and more. The 2011 market will run through December 17th. Please visit http://pepperplacemarket-old.
A few local shops, such as Andy’s Farm Market, with locations in both Hoover and Vestavia, and Oak Street Garden Shop and Local Market in Mountain Brook, carry an assortment of seasonal goods for as long as they can throughout the fall and early winter months. Although it varies throughout the year, you can also find an assortment of locally grown produce at Whole Foods Market in Mountain Brook. Additionally, the store also carries a wide variety of regionally crafted canned goods, cheeses, and sauces, among other locally produced foods and products.
Many Birmingham area restaurants, such as Little Savannah, Bottega, and Highlands Bar and Grill, support the use of locally grown foods by creating signature dishes based on seasonally available produce. For a more detailed list of Birmingham area restaurants that feature locally grown foods, please visit, http://www.jvuf.org/where-to-
Last but not least, grow your own! Now is an ideal time to begin planting cold weather crops in a garden of your own. If you’re a beginner, start small and stick to planting heartier produce such as winter squash, lettuce, or Fava beans. When harvest time comes, invite your friends over to share a homemade meal made with your very own “locally” grown vegetables.
Written By Kate Agliata
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