Preparing for a Sustainable Winter

Supporting Local Farms & Accessing Fresh Produce

As winter approaches, Sonoma County’s unique climate means that our Santa Rosa Original Farmers Markets remain abundant, even in the cooler months. November offers a wide range of fresh, seasonal produce, including winter squash, Brussels sprouts, beets, leafy greens like kale and spinach, sweet potatoes, pomegranates and citrus fruits. These nutrient-rich options not only support a healthy diet but also bring warmth and comfort to seasonal recipes.

Preserving the Harvest

One great way to extend the bounty of Winter produce is through preservation techniques. Canning, fermenting, and freezing are excellent ways to enjoy the flavors of Sonoma County well into the winter months. For example, you can preserve winter squash and root vegetables by freezing them for later use in soups and stews. Fermenting leafy greens or canning seasonal fruit spreads ensures that nothing goes to waste while offering delicious, healthy options throughout the colder season. If you’re looking to stock up, this is also a great time to ask your farmers about bulk-buying deals. Many offer discounts specifically for preserving, so you can buy in larger quantities and store the season’s harvest for months.

The Beauty of Sonoma County’s Winter Markets

Thanks to our temperate climate, many of Sonoma County’s farmers markets remain open year-round, providing local produce that thrives in cooler weather. The Saturday Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market is one of those markets that continue to offer fresh, locally grown food during the winter months. Even in December and January, you’ll find plenty of winter vegetables, herbs, and seasonal fruits available. This access to fresh food is one of the many benefits of living in Sonoma County, where supporting local farms and accessing healthy produce remain possible year-round.

Programs to Help You Access Fresh Food

Don’t forget that programs like Market Match and CalFresh help increase purchasing power for fresh, local produce at farmers markets. These programs continue through the winter, doubling the value of benefits for qualifying families, ensuring that fresh food is accessible to all.

Whether you’re shopping at the farmers markets or preserving the harvest from your own garden, November is the perfect time to embrace the abundance of Sonoma County’s winter produce. Let’s support our local farms and enjoy fresh, nutritious food throughout the season.

Sweet & Tangy Pickled Beets Recipe

Ingredients:

2 ½ pounds of beets (medium-sized, any color)
2 cups vinegar (white or apple cider)
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns (optional)
2 cloves garlic (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the beets: Wash the beets thoroughly. Cut off the leaves, leaving about 1 inch of the stem. Boil the beets in a large pot for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and cool.
Peel and slice: Once cool enough to handle, peel the beets by rubbing off the skins. Slice the beets into ¼-inch thick slices.
Prepare the jars: Sterilize the two quart-sized jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars warm until ready to use.
Make the brine: In a pot, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Fill the jars: Place the beet slices into the jars, packing them in tightly. Add a garlic clove to each jar if you like.
Add the brine: Pour the hot brine over the beets, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top of the jar. Tap the jars lightly to remove any air bubbles, then wipe the rims clean.
Seal the jars: Place the lids on the jars and screw the bands on tightly.
Process the jars: Place the jars in a water bath canner. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Boil for 30 minutes to process and seal the jars.
Cool and store: Remove the jars carefully and let them cool for 12-24 hours. Check the seals by pressing the lid – it should not pop back. Store in a cool, dark place.

THE SANTA ROSA ORIGINAL CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET

PROUDLY SERVING SANTA ROSA, GUERNEVILLE & CLOVERDALE SINCE 1967