What’s fresh at the Baton Rouge farmers markets in December

With cold fronts and rainy weather imminent, not much new produce sprouts up in December. Louisiana fall favorites that managed to squeeze their way through November are mostly at the end of their season until next year. Luckily, though, area farmers are bringing some winter produce to the Baton Rouge farmers markets.

What’s fresh in December:

Newcomers. December doesn’t offer too much change, but shoppers can look forward to ripe, juicy citrus fruits like navel oranges, lemons and kumquats. Later in the month, Louisiana strawberries and carrots will make an appearance.

Midseason produce. Leafy greens like kale, collard greens and spinach are abundant in December. Other bountiful winter produce includes cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce and root vegetables like sweet potatoes, radishes, beets and turnips. In other words, winter is a great time to make a hearty vegetable soup or casserole.

Out for winter. Produce that barely made it through November will be scarce in December, and most can only be found at supermarkets now. Items like bell peppers and hot peppers, cucumbers, okra, peas and melons like cantaloupe will be hard to find. Yellow and zucchini squash are also phasing out through December, but winter squash like butternut and acorn will take their place.

Don’t forget to look for locally sourced and produced food products like honey, goat cheese, jams and marmalades, artisan breads, desserts and more at the Red Stick Farmers Market. For the Christmas season, pasture-raised turkeys will be available from Iverstine Farm.

See the full weekly market schedule and list of sellers here.

Along with the Saturday farmers market, the Baton Rouge Arts Market will be held every Saturday this month next to the farmers market to give locals a chance to purchase locally made arts and crafts as holiday gifts. Read our story about the Arts Market here.