It's December (can you believe it?), and it might not seem like prime time for vegetable shopping, but fret not: the season isn't quite over. The nice thing about this time of year is that, even though it will be a few months before we are once again strolling the markets nibbling juicy fresh strawberries, these last remains of the harvest can be stored for months.
Kept cool and dry, unblemished squash, pumpkins, and potatoes can last throughout the winter. Here is a good and brief primer on storing these squash. Although winter vegetables will last a long time, don't wait too long to enjoy them. I hoarded my last 10 pounds of Kennebec potatoes so far into 2009 that they began sprouting. At which point I planted them. At which point they were unearthed by some sort of enterprising, carb-loving rodent and promptly consumed. Let that be a lesson - nothing is too good to eat.
Now that you're inspired to buy some hardy vegetables for storing, here's the good news: tomorrow Wayward Seed will be selling bulk squash, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and radishes for long-term storage. Yay!
Tomorrow is the Columbus Winter Farmer's Market located at the Universalist church in Clintonville. This year looks to be larger than last year, and you'll find meat, veggies, honey and of course lots of baked yummies.
Of course, the North Market goes on most of the winter, when produce slowly gives way to Christmas trees and the like.
The Worthington Winter Farmer's Market will begin next Saturday, December 12th.
Lastly, don't forget that the Pearl Market continues throughout the winter, inside at 20 E Broad. You can find lots of great information on the Downtown Columbus website, including a list of vendors.
