Punxsutawney Phil just predicted an early spring. While we wait for farmers to plant their spring seeds, your local greenmarket has winter vegetables available including beets, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and turnips. Heartier vegetables such as cabbage, onions, and winter squash are also in season. Apples and pears harvested in the fall will be available from storage.
It’s a good time of year for bread. Why? Winter’s low humidity makes baking bread easier now than during the heat of summer. Bakers Bounty, Bread Alone, and Lost Bread Co will all be at the Grand Army Plaza greenmarket on Saturdays. Pick up some jams to go with your bread — many farmers will have some available.
Horseradish, kale, and sprouts are all in season right now, and available. All three are powerful foods that are worth trying if you’ve never picked them up. Horseradish is packed with nutrients, and is naturally antibacterial, plus, it has been known to aid with digestion. Kale was the trendy superfood a few years ago, and still packs a punch with high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Sprouts are incredibly nutrient-dense — a cup of broccoli sprouts has the same health benefits as 50 cups of broccoli!
Fermented and pickled vegetables are also available right now. Divine Brine, who will be at the Grand Army Plaza greenmarket on Saturdays, offers a large variety of brined and pickled vegetables.
To learn more about greenmarkets, or to find one near you, check out GrowNYC.com.
