Local fresh produce and other local foods are available year-round in central New Mexico, even in the cold winter months. Eating with the seasons is a way to take advantage of what is produced locally for our climate.

There are many benefits when we choose to eat local seasonal produce over food that was grown in a different climate. Local seasonal food travels fewer miles to reach the dinner table, making it a fresher choice that uses less energy during distribution. Not only does fresh seasonal food taste better, it also supports our local agricultural economy.

Check out the New Mexico Farmers' Markets harvest calendar to see what seasonal produce is available each month for our region. For example, I found the following items available at the January 12th Los Ranchos Growers’ Winter Market:

• Arugula 
• Bok choy 
• Salad greens 
• Fresh herbs 
• Carrots 
• Oyster mushrooms 
• Tomatoes! (Greenhouse grown) 
• Dried pinto beans 
• Dried fruits 
• Fresh eggs 
• Fruit jams and preserves 
• Dried herb and spice mixes 
• Fresh pastas 
• And many other wonderful products

By growing cold weather crops in hoop houses or greenhouses, many local producers are able to grow fresh year round. Many growers also choose to make value added products, such as fruit preserves, so they can sell their harvest during any season.