Sweets
Besides fresh produce, there are lots of unique items sold at local farmer’s markets and specialty grocers.

Maple syrup
The season for maple syrup doesn’t even start until the winter. In northeastern America, primarily Vermont and New York, maple syrup season begins in February. Trees are tapped in February and March and the sap is run into vats and boiled down into syrup and sold for pancakes or as maple sugar and candy! Isn’t fresh Vermont maple syrup a great gift idea?

Dried fruits and preserves
Along with dried fruits like apples, pears, peaches, apricots, and prunes, markets sell jelly and jam made from the fruits sold in their stands earlier in the year. In addition, you’ll find nuts, candied peels, and local honey throughout the year.

Pickles, relishes, and chutney
All of those extra cucumbers, onions, and spices are used late in the season for pickling or relishes. Try cranberry chutney with pork chops for an upgrade to standard winter fare.

Finding fresh produce
Find a market in your area by contacting your local grower’s association. Or research the internet for mail order options for fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. And don’t forget, getting fresh in February is easier than you think!