Brian Bernier

This month marks the start to most local winter farmers markets.

These indoor markets are different from the summer markets because the corn and melons have been replaced by carrots and root vegetables.

You won’t see yellow and zucchini squash, but you will find a sweet lineup of winter squash. Of course, if a farmer has a large greenhouse, they may sneak some summer items in as well.

But hey, it’s fall in Wisconsin, so that means the fall seasonal veggies are bursting with flavor. An acorn squash purchased in a supermarket a couple of months ago that was brought in from California will not be nearly as sweet as a cool-weather-kissed acorn squash from Wisconsin that’s purchased now.

Other advantages to the winter markets are that you typically see more artisan cheeses, along with many samples. You can also take the time to get to know a farmer that raises beef, pork or lamb, and set up a plan for a bulk purchase to save a lot of money for your family.

Fresh apple cider is now available too, while chickens are still laying farm-fresh eggs, and if you need something handmade for a Christmas present, there is a lot to choose from at a winter farmers market.

Here’s a sampling of winter farmers markets in the area:

• The Sheboygan Winter Farmers Market, which is located at First Congregational Church, 310 Bluff Ave, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays each month through May. The market boasts more than 20 vendors with a great variety of food and crafts, including fresh bakery and bread.

• The Fond du Lac Winter Market is located at 90 S. Main St. The market is open from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays through early May. There is usually live music along with 20 or so vendors.

• Appleton’s winter market is located at 100 College Ave., at the Appleton City Center Plaza. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays through May 30. With more than 40 vendors, it may be the largest in Wisconsin.

• In Port Washington, the winter market is located at First Congregational Church, 131 Webster St. It is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and offers produce, meat, artisan cheese and eggs.

These communities and farmers are working hard in the Wisconsin elements to bring us untainted, fresh organic food. Let’s not let them down.

Make it a point to patronize them. I say this because when I was putting this column together, I found at least one winter market that was canceled this year, which I assume was because there wasn’t enough interest, even though that same community has a wonderful summer farmers market.

Another great option for finding local, organic food in winter is by joining a community support agriculture farm, or CSA.

Local CSA farms have full food shares available into December that can be delivered close to where you work or live.

A CSA farmer grows vegetables according to how many families sign up to receive a share of the farm’s harvest.

If a CSA farmer has a bumper crop of vegetables, your share is increased, and if there is a lot of rain, early frost or drought, then your share won’t be as full.

Most farmers combat these elements by using large greenhouses, irrigation and row covers to prevent large fluctuations in the amount of produce that goes into your share.

Some CSA farms in our area include: Old Plank Farm in Plymouth, Rising Garden Farm in Fond du Lac, Highcross Farm in Campbellsport, Rhine Center Vegetable Club in Elkhart Lake, Backyard Bounty in Plymouth, Wellspring in West Bend, Rare Earth in Belgium, Three Sisters Community Farm in Campbellsport, Springdale Farm in Plymouth, Keller Back Acre Farm in Manitowoc, Trusted Earth Farm in Reedsville and Red Belly Farms in Chilton.

Go ahead and check a CSA farm out. But do it quick, because the winter CSA season ends soon.

— Brian Bernier, is a private in-home chef, organic farmer and food blogger who lives in Random Lake. He can be reached at Brian@BerniersBistro.com. Visit his website at FreshStepFood.com.