Feb 08 2012

Market Snapshots: Bursts of Color in Winter

Where: Union Square Greenmarket

When: January 25, 2012

Across the country, January was the fourth warmest January on record. And in Minnesota, where my brother lives, it was the warmest in recorded history. He's been (justifiably) bemoaning the lack of snow all winter, as one of his favorite hobbies is cross-country skiing. He and my sister-in-law had to ski on -- the horrors! -- man-made snow a few weekends ago. Yes, even Minnesota has resorted to making snow this winter!

So it's an odd feeling to wander around the farmers' market in 50 degree weather, but still find what I'd expect if the weather were below freezing: it's winter, after all. Asparagus isn't just going to start sprouting up because the weather is pleasant! A winter farmers' market is a reduced market, but it's not all for naught. I tend to visit the Union Square Greenmarket every Wednesday and I still leave with full bags of carrots, greens, pears, celeriac, and potatoes.