3 Jan 2022

Maine Agriculture: Things to See and Do in Winter – Visit a Winter Farmers’ Market

Real Maine / About Us / Blog / Seasons / Winter / Maine Agriculture: Things to See and Do in Winter – Visit a Winter Farmers’ Market

When you visit a winter farmers’ market, you can purchase delicious, fresh foods directly from the farmer. Shopping directly from farmers is a familiar tradition in Maine. Markets offer a chance for people to interact directly with farmers and other agricultural producers. Fortunately, farmers’ markets aren’t just for summertime in Maine! The chance to meet farmers, support local agriculture, and visit farms continues throughout the year here.

Visit a winter farmers’ market

Take in – and take home – Maine’s winter bounty with a visit to one of the state’s winter farmers’ markets. You can find fresh greens even in the dark of winter. Storage vegetables (such as carrots, squash, onions, and cabbage), preserves (jams, jellies, pickles, and relishes), herb blends, cheeses, yogurt, and all manner of meats are also available at most winter markets as well. The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets posts a list of winter markets each year. Check the list to find markets in your area, or in destinations you may be visiting. Here are a few popular winter markets to consider:

Some popular winter markets

The United Farmers’ Market of Maine is held every Saturday on Spring St. in downtown Belfast. The indoor market has booths offering everything from fresh produce to prepared foods, locally distilled beverages, freshly roasted coffee, wood products, and crafts. Also it is convenient to local shops, the Belfast Co-op, and the waterfront.

The Brunswick Winter Market is held every Saturday through April in the Fort Andross Mill Complex. It features more than 40 vendors from all over the Midcoast. Vendors carry everything from produce, meats, and gourmet specialty foods to handmade goods. The market is a popular place to pick up food for the weekend and a fresh cup of coffee, too.

The Portland Winter Farmers’ Market, located in the former Maine Girls’ Academy, features the goods of more than 20 Maine farmers. It is held every Saturday through mid-April. Fresh and locally made veggies, cheeses, eggs, mushrooms, dairy products, and meat are just some of the things that are on offer. The market also offers a low-income food access program (Maine Harvest Bucks) to help shoppers using SNAP benefits access more fresh food.

Another popular market is the European Market in Bangor. It operates year-round at Sunnyside Greenhouse, and features locally grown and made foods. In addition, the vendors have prepared cuisines including Greek and Mexican dishes. Held every Saturday, it’s a great place to meet the Maine farmers, cooks, artisans, bakers, mushroom hunters, and picklers that sell their goods here and to support them with purchases.

Visit a winter farmers' market to assemble a board of appetizers with local ingredients.