Saturday at The Winter Farmer’s Market

I am a New Englander at heart.  I mean, yes, I live here…but I also love it here.  Often times, no matter which season it is, a topic of conversation in any New England town will be the weather.  Most often, a complaint.

“It’s too cold.”

“Hot enough for you?”

“When is the rain going to stop?!”

I always reply, ” I love all the seasons…in their time.”  And I do,  Including winter.

One thing that I find that I miss in winter is the weekly farmer’s market.  There is nothing like taking a walk, or bike ride, or car, to your local farmer’s market and buying fresh, locally grown produce.  I love chatting with the vendors and the locals.  I love the busy, bustling atmosphere.  I like it so much better than I like going to the grocery store.

A friend of mine, Emily, has been working for an orchard at a winter farmer’s market for a couple of years now.  She talks fondly of the vendors, describes the great variety of goods and sometimes, if I’m lucky, she brings me home something that she has traded for at the end of the day; apples or root vegetables, kale or popcorn still on the cob!

Intrigued, last saturday, we decided to take the ride and go to the market.  It’s about a one and a half hours from where we live…near the city.

When we arrived, with help from our GPS and directions from Emily, we pulled up along side an interesting building, which is The Armory building.  People were bustling in and out, holding their bags and chatting amongst each other.  I was surprised when we couldn’t immediately find a place to park!

As we walked in, I was instantly taken by the number of people.  The place was packed!! The large room was filled with people and vendor tables.  Everyone was smiling and talking. A very talented and friendly young man was playing the guitar and singing well-known songs, many people were singing along and moving to the music. Many of the vendors had samples, always a great way to make a sale!

There were vendors with produce; greens, carrots, beets, radishes, purple turnip (which is delicious sliced raw and sprinkled with sea salt).  Vendors with meats; pork, beef, chicken, lamb and even seafood! Cheesecake vendor, Vendors with baked goods.  A man who had apple cider donuts that were sinfully delicious!  A vendor selling nuts, roasted and seasoned.  A vendor selling locally made Kambucha, a fermented tea that is loaded with probiotic and beneficial bacteria, one of my newest pleasures.  And of course, Emily and her apples!

As we approached the Orchard table, I could see Emily smiling warmly at the patrons.  Offering apples to try, asking how they were enjoying themselves.  Her table was very busy and I stood and watch for a bit.  Emily is one of those people who makes you instantly comfortable in her company.  She is warm and genuine.  She looked over at me and smiled her beautiful smile, and I was instantly aware of how lucky I am to have such an amazing friend.

We bought carrots, turnip and apples.  An almond pastry that we ate immediately! We bought some almonds seasoned with Herbs de Provence, some granola and of course, cider donuts!  We browsed and chatted for about an hour.  It was a wonderful market and made me forget about the snow and cold, and brought me back to a spring day at my own local market.

If you would like to check out the market, and don’t mind the ride, I think it’s worth the trip!

Somerville Winter Market *191 Highland Ave * at the Armory building * Somerville Ma.