Alabama farmers are working hard to keep fresh produce on the table this winter. Many people think of farmers markets as being only in the warmer months, but winter farmers markets can offer a variety of vegetables and specialties that the whole family can enjoy. Blake Thaxton is the executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. He says there are some real specialties in the winter in Alabama.
“Our citrus crop that we can grow here in Alabama along the Gulf Coast... satsumas. That's a real popular product starting in about early November, and it will go into January. So that's something you'll find at markets across the state. And then, also, of course, greens are huge this time of year.” He also mentions cabbage and sweet potatoes as something to look for.
Thaxton says there are some traditional farmers markets that go year round. “This is the off-season for our farmers so you won't see as many of those but there are a couple across the state that are open. For example, the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman's Market down in Baldwin County. They're open year-round. The Tuscaloosa River Market is open year-round. The Decatur farmers market is open year-round.”
He recommends checking out sweet grown alabama.org. That's the state’s marketing campaign for Alabama grown products.
