Winter is finally here, but Tarrytown, Irvington and Sleepy Hollow residents wouldn’t know it from the number of indoor farmers markets that are proliferating in their area this season. Westchester shoppers need not rely on tired produce that has traveled great distances to arrive at our local grocery stores, when fresh local food is being brought to our communities from Hudson Valley farmers.

The growing demand for year-round local produce has been expanding with each year, and farmers are now responding by building greenhouses and high tunnels which provide protection for an array of vegetables that will expand customer choices for food preparation this winter.

This year’s indoor market produce selection will include organic greens; kale; collard greens; Brussel sprouts; shallots; potatoes; onions; winter squash; spinach; cabbage; baby romaine; and red leaf lettuce.

Miriam Haas, director of Community Markets and creator of the Tarrytown and Ossining markets, among many others, said, “ Shoppers are learning what items are seasonal and that there are still good choices in the winter. As farmers see that there is more interest from consumers, some are beginning to think about winter growing, which includes learning about what crops store well, and also that planning later in the season is needed since with lower light and temperatures, plants grow more slowly.”

Irvington Winter Farmers Market Director Pascale LeDraoulec concurred, saying “Our Irvington shoppers have become hooked on eating locally-produced cheeses and breads and soups, not to mention locally-caught fish and Hudson Valley greens. We’re thrilled to be able to bring this bounty to Irvington during the winter months.”

In fact, during winter, “plants convert starches to sugars to prevent the water in its cell structure from freezing,” said Dan Barber, executive chef of Blue Hill at Stone Barns. That’s why root vegetables, such as Jerusalem artichokes, beets, turnips, even carrots, celeriac, and parsnips, taste so much sweeter during late fall and winter.

Nena Johnson, public programs director at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, said, “The demand for winter markets in our region really speaks to the increased interest in eating locally year-round. People didn’t often think of the northeast as a bountiful place in the winter, but we have the most delicious root vegetables and winter greens around thanks to the colder temperatures and ingenious farmers! Folks have really caught on and that consumer demand has made winter markets a must.”

And, winter markets aren’t just about produce these days. On hand, customers will find a broad selection of pasture raised beef, poultry, lamb and pork, smoked hams, sausages, eggs, baked goods, and even hot dogs.

In addition to providing enhanced food selections, Community Markets, the Irvington Farmers Market, and Stone Barns are dedicated to creating a place for the community to come together, relax, be entertained or be engaged. In Briarcliff, shoppers might enjoy live music, a cooking demonstration, lecture or contest. While at Stone Barns, special programs for families will be offered on market days: a farm tour or hands-on farm activities, such as collecting eggs or harvesting vegetables.

“We try to make a market that has a mix of produce, breads, cheese, meats, pastry and specialty added value foods made from local ingredients (when possible),” said Haas. “It’s like creating a good dish: all the parts have to work together.”

Community Markets 4 indoor farmers markets will be held every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from January 9 until May 22 at the following locations:

If You Go

Briarcliff Congregational Church
30 State Road
Briarcliff Manor

Mt. Kisco Boys and Girls Club
351 Main St.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church
168 W. Boston Post Road

Mamaroneck
John Jay High School
60 N. Salem Road
Cross River

In Briarcliff, the list of vendors includes:

Bobolink Dairy (cheeses, breads)

Bombay Emerald Chutney (chutney, frozen somosas)

Bread Alone (organic bread, pastries, pies, granola, cookies)

Cowberry Crossing (Beef, pork, chicken, lamb, eggs, rabbit, turkeys, produce)

Dines Farm (chicken, pork, beef, eggs, lamb, duck, rabbit)

Dutch Desserts (fruit and chocolate tarts)

Feather Ridge Farm (chicken, eggs, milk)

Guyank Brand (sauces, cranberry jelly, rubs)

Gajeski Produce (produce)

Meredith’s Bread (bakery)

Newgate Farms (produce, bakery products)

Pura Vida Fisheries (fish)

Tierra Farm (organic nuts, trail mix, nut butters)

Calcutta Kitchens (chutneys and simmer sauces)

Picka’s Farm Table (quiches, salsas, soups, empanadas, pesto)

Picklelicious (pickles, olives, tapanade)

For program and vendor information updates visit: www.communitymarkets.biz

Food and Agriculture Center/Hay Barn (630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills)

Sundays: January 17, February 21, March 21, and April 18.

Stone Barns Winter Markets:
Visit www.stonebarnscenter.org to learn about special programs for families offered on Winter Farm Market dates.

Irvington Winter Farmers Market (trial market):
Irvington Senior Center/Community Room
Wednesday, January 20, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
10 to 12 vendors, including greens from Madura Farms.
Ample Parking in Scenic Hudson Park.