Winter Farmer's Market

As any lover of local food, I lament the closing of the farmer’s markets every fall. As I peel my one thousandth California Satsuma in March, I begin to tick off the days until May when the market will open once again. Fortunately for us Missoulians, the recent opening of the Heirloom Winter Market is a big step in the right direction toward having access to local food throughout the year. 

If you’re expecting to see the summer market’s recreated inside, prepare yourself.  The fact of the matter is, very little produce grows in Montana this time of year. What you will find is a few tables of produce with broccoli, bok choy, brussel sprouts and onions among other hearty produce and a few tables of local baked goods.  There is also a room devoted to wonderful local packaged foods such as Tipu’s Chai, Bitterroot Toffee and many jars of jams and honey. My biggest delight was seeing Uncle Bill with his divine sausages holding court in the back corner.  He had several great suggestions on how to pair his sausage with the produce available at the market. I was informed that he is off to Thailand soon so here’s hoping someone will man his booth while he’s gone. 

                                                            

As with any new venture, the Heirloom Winter Market will only survive and grow if enough people show interest in it. So go, buy whatever you can and talk up the vendors just as you would during the summer markets.

The Heirloom Winter Market is open Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00. It is located in the Ceretana Granary, a fine historic Missoula building at 801 Sherwood.