When it comes to finding the freshest fruits and veggies, your local farmers market is a fantastic place to start.  Unlike grocery stores, where produce might have traveled a long distance before sitting on the shelves for a period of time, farmers markets are stocked with produce harvested directly from local farms at the peak ripeness, which means it’s not only fresh but extra flavorful. Many farmers markets also offer organic and pesticide-free options, which can help you meet your health goals. Sure, farmers markets prices might be higher than what you see in your grocer’s aisles, but the value lies in the quality and freshness of the produce you receive as well as the benefit of supporting your local farmers. While you may not want to stock up on all your produce needs in one trip, it’s a great way to pick up ingredients for a seasonal recipe or occasion you have in mind.

Wondering what to buy at the farmers market in winter, spring, summer, and fall? Betty’s got you covered! While what’s available will vary by region, we’ve gathered the top three most common produce items to look for plus some of our favorite Betty recipes to use with your fruits and veggies. It’s everything you need to know before you grab your reusable bag and head out to peruse the fresh product stands! Do you have a few tips and tricks of your own? We’d love to hear from you! Share them in the comments at the bottom of this page. Happy shopping!

During the winter months, you’ll find produce items that are well-suited to thrive in colder conditions, can be harvested late in the fall and stored for several months while maintaining quality. Here are three of the best produce items to find at the farmers market in the winter.

1. Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are plants that grow underground and absorb nutrients from the soil. Often low in calories, fat and cholesterol and high in fiber and antioxidants, they are also a great choice for those new years resolution goals! Varying from earthy to sweet flavor profiles, root veggies lend themselves to countless cool-weather dishes. If you’d like a few helpful cooking tips, refer to our How to Cook with Turnips, Beets, Parsnips and More article.

• Look for: A firm and feel heavy feel for size; avoid soft spots, holes, rough or discolored skin, and cracks on the base
• Common varieties: Carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, radishes, rutabagas, celery root, and kohlrabi
• Common uses: As a snack, roasted, pickled and mashed or in soups, stews, and salads
• Betty recipe: Roasted Root Vegetable Salad

2. Leafy Greens

Surprisingly, many leafy greens can withstand cold temperatures and some even become sweeter after a frost, making them one of nature’s most hardy vegetables. Winter leafy greens are often a good source of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, K, and C.

• Look for: Thick stems, crisp, moist, and richly-colored leaves without wilting, brown edges, or spots
• Common varieties: Kale, swiss chard, spinach, collard greens, and mustard greens
• Common uses: Sautéed and in soups, stews, salads, and smoothies
• Betty recipe: Pear and Greens Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

3. Winter Squash

Once the cold winter months are through, we’re all craving those bright, crisp, mouth-watering fruits and veggies and are getting ready to move past heavier comfort dishes. As you prepare for your fresh salads and desserts, here’s three of the best items to fill your spring basket with.

1. Asparagus

In the summer months, farmers markets are abundant with a variety of fresh and flavorful produce—and the weather is ideal for getting out in the sun and seeing everything that your local market has to offer! Here are three of the top items to look for:

1. Tomatoes

In the fall months, farmers markets are brimming with a cornucopia of seasonal produce. From back to school and Halloween festivities to Thanksgiving meal planning, these top three produce choices are ripe for your favorite fall recipes.

1. Pumpkins and Winter Squash