It’s winter in New England, which means the ground is frozen and often covered with snow. Few crops thrive in this climate, so how does a business that attempts to sell primarily local, seasonal, and organic produce continue to stock its produce shelves? Let’s talk to the Concord Food Co-op’s Produce Manager, Gloria Najecki, to find out!
Interviewer = I Gloria = G
I: How Does Winter Impact Your Buying Habits?
G: Buying produce in winter largely depends on the distributors we purchase from, rather than the farmers. Distributors provide us with fresh produce that doesn’t grow in our area during winter such as oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes, blueberries, peppers, broccoli, etc. Distributors typically source from farms in Florida or California (warmer climates). However, local farmers are still supplying the Co-op with storage crops. These crops are grown on local farms, harvested before the winter season, and stored for extended periods without spoiling. Storage crops include butternut squash, winter squash, onions, and potatoes.
I: How many of the farms that you order from close/don’t produce in the winter?
G: All of our farmers have something to offer in winter be it storage crops or crops grown in a greenhouse. For example, one of the farms we order from, Generation Farms provides us with fresh greens and kale during the summer months. However, during the winter months Generation Farms produces microgreens, instead, that are grown in a greenhouse.
I: What do farmers do in the winter?
G: Winter is a time of planning and outreach for farmers. While farmers sell storage crops and have booths at farmers’ markets during the winter, they are also busy planning spring. They are researching their successes and losses from the previous season and taking note of what does well in their soil. Farming is about trial and error which results in a better understanding of the land each farmer is stewarding. On top of this season of planning, farmers are reaching out to local buyers such as the Co-op and figuring out what sells best. It is through communication that farmers understand what is desired by consumers in the community.
I: Why is it important to eat seasonally?
G: It is important to eat seasonally as it is the best way to support local farmers. Eating seasonally and locally means supporting the local economy. This fosters jobs in our communities, protects the land we inhabit, boosts organic buying, and promotes the stewardship of land by farmers that understand the soil they maintain. If we eat seasonally, we are in harmony with the weather and the rhythms of nature. In other words, we are creating a symbiotic relationship with the land. Eating seasonally is listening to your body and not fighting what the weather brings. Winter brings with it cold weather which invites us to cocoon. By eating what the earth provides us with, we welcome the winter season, and our bodies get what they are craving: warm, heavy, and hearty meals.
I: When do you see an increase in produce options again?
G: Abundance is late in New Hampshire. It is hard to predict when produce options increase. The harvest season is dependent upon the weather. Factors such as snow amounts, temperatures, and moisture levels all impact growing rates and successes. However, typically, early spring spinach is a popular produce item. Spinach is grown in a greenhouse which allows it to sprout in early spring when the weather remains cool but not freezing.
I: What is your favorite winter produce item?
G: Butternut squash!
This winter, may you become more in tune with the earth by eating seasonally and welcoming new foods into your diet. Winter isn’t a time to stop eating fresh fruits and vegetables; it is a time to try new fruits and vegetables. The more seasonally you eat, the more you support local farmers. Shop at the Co-op, support local, and eat seasonally!
