Winter farmers markets sprout up in Central New York

Farmers markets used to be a strictly seasonal affair in Central New York, bustling during the summer months, and then disappearing along with the last of the homegrown sweet corn, tomatoes and peaches.

No longer. Farmers are able to extend their growing seasons these days, and grow things like herbs, lettuces, kale and chard -- even tomatoes -- indoors or in greenhouses and hoop houses.

Beyond the Central New York Regional Market – which is open year-round, on Saturdays – winter farmers markets are popping up here and there, particularly east of Syracuse, and doing a good business.

At the Winter Farmers Market at Circa Restaurant in Cazenovia on Saturday, some of the vendors that supply chef-owner Alicyn Hart’s with her local culinary bounty offered onions, shallots, garlic, beets and carrots. Alambria Springs Farm, Earlville, had beautiful Asian mesclun greens grown in an unheated greenhouse.

At the Westmoreland Winter Farmers Market, also on Saturday, Stone Brothers Farm and Greenhouses, Canastota, was said to have greenhouse-grown tomatoes.

Yes, tomatoes. In March. In CNY!

At these winter markets, shoppers will also find artisan breads and baked goods, pasture-raised meats, eggs, cheeses and butter, maple syrup, honey, relishes, jams and other canned items.

The Winter Farmers Market at Circa fills up the restaurant’s small dining room. The vibe is warm, friendly and relaxed. It’s a great opportunity to mingle with vendors and learn about their products.

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to talk with Aileen Randolph of Empire Buffalo about her family’s herd and farm in Fenner, as well as the health benefits of buffalo (lower in fat and cholesterol than beef and chicken) – before heading home with a 1.5 pound package of ground buffalo to try. I also chatted with Bruce Rivington of Kriemhild Dairy Farms, and learned that the market for Kriemhild’s delicious, creamy, golden-yellow “Meadow Butter” extends well beyond Central New York. It’s served at restaurants like Daniel and Cafe Boulod in New York City – in addition to restaurants like Circa.

I chatted up Aaron Metthe of Salt City Coffee, who hopes to open a coffee shop in Syracuse, and downed a couple samples before buying a full cup and settling on a pound of Sumatra beans for coffee at home.

That’s the best part about visiting a farmers market – discovering new things and making personal connections with the food we eat.

In addition to salad greens and cylindrical beets, I bought a dense, crusty loaf of cinnamon raisin sour dough bread from Alambria Springs Farm. Their breads, made with local flours and baked in a wood-fired oven, are some of the best I’ve ever had.

The winter farmers market season is winding down, but here are a few to put on your calendar. For a complete directory of farmers markets and CSAs in Central New York, visit Farmshed.cny or download the Farmshedcny app for your smart phone.

Upcoming markets:

Oneida County Public Market Winter Markets

March 9 and April 13

Union Station, 321 Main St., downtown Utica

Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Circa Winter Farmers Market

First Saturday of the month, November-April

Circa Restaurant, 76 Albany St., Cazenovia

Hours: 9 a.m. to noon

 

Cazenovia Winter Farmers Market

Third Saturday of the month, November-April

American Legion Hall, 26 Chenango St.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Morrisville Winter Farmers Market

First Saturday of the month, December-April

Madison Hall, Route 20, Morrisville

Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Poolville Winter Farmers Market

Second and fourth Saturdays of the month, November-April

Poolville Community Center, Willey Road, Poolville

Hours: 10 a.m. to noon

 

Westmoreland Winter Farmers Market

First Saturday of the month, November-April

Westmoreland Firehouse, Station Road, Westmoreland

Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Comments

[Amy Yahna]

Thanks so much for this fantastic article and thanks for mentioning all of us and the goodies we bring to the public. So happy to hear you love our breads! Keep up the great work and keep spreading the word about all the positive benefits of buying local!

[Margaret @ Eat First]

Thank you, Barbara! Next month: Westmoreland or bust. After that, it should be spring. We hope!!!

[Barbara]

Great resource, Margaret!