Think cold winter temperatures will mean you won’t be able to find local produce and meats to eat? Think again.
In fact, there’s still plenty of Boulder County bounty to be had during these colder months — and making a resolution to eat more local produce is the perfect way to kickstart the New Year. You’ll feel better eating simple, whole foods while at the same time supporting local farmers, ranchers and small businesses.
For the first time ever, the Boulder County Farmers Markets are offering year-round services. You can order fresh vegetables, organic eggs, milled whole wheat flour and tons of other items for curbside pickup on the organization’s website: https://bcfm.org/curbside-pickup/
In the meantime, here are some of the different types of foods you can expect to see from the markets in January:
- Arugula and lettuce from Altius Farms
- Celeriac from Aspen Moon Farm
- Turnips from Full Circle Organic Farm
- Microgreens from Fifer Farm
- Winter radishes from Red Wagon Organic Farm
- Beets, potatoes, carrots, chard, mushrooms and winter squash from other vendors.
Black Cat Farmstand
Black Cat continues to operate its pandemic-borne farmstand at 4975 Jay Road. You’ll find a rotating selection of seasonally relevant foods there like:
- Potatoes
- Turnips
- Carrots
- Beets
- Squash
They’ve also got an array of prepared foods like marinara, sauerkraut, burritos, pesto and hummus, just to name a few. There are also several cuts of pork and lamb available from their 400-plus-acre organic farm.
Cure Organic Farm Store
Cure Organic Farm is keeping its farm store going (weather dependent) at 7416 Valmont Road. Check their Instagram for daily offerings, including:
- Grass-fed beef
- Whole roasting chickens
- Fresh eggs
- Root vegetables
- Microgreens
- Honey
- Whole wheat flour
Buckner Family Ranch
Buckner Family Ranch in Longmont is taking orders for grass-fed lamb and beef, as well as pasture-raised pork.
How to Use Winter Produce
Not sure how to use all those different types of squash and root vegetables that are so common during the winter months? The Boulder County Farmers Markets has some great recipe inspiration on their website, including this tasty one below:
Rainbow Roots Arugula Salad
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
2 cups Full Circle Farms butternut squash cubed
1 cup Aspen Moon Farm celeriac cubed
3 each Croft Family Farm carrots 1-inch pieces
1 each Red Wagon Farm purple daikon radish cubed
2 each Red Wagon Farm watermelon radish 1-inch pieces
1 each Croft Family Farm small red onion wedged
4 cloves garlic peeled
1.5 tbsp olive oil
1 each lemon
2 cups Tasty Acres arugula
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425. Toss all vegetables (aside from the arugula) in one tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Put on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes.
- Serve vegetables over a handful of arugula with a squeeze of lemon and remaining olive oil (if desired).
