Albuquerque Downtown Growers' Market

The Downtown Growers Market had its first ever Winter Market on December 7th & 8th in an indoor space on 1st & Gold Ave. It was a delight to see the familiar growers and food producers in December- over a month after our regular season in Robinson Park ended. What was even more delightful was the amount of produce and local treats that I was able to walk away with and enjoy over the cold weeks ahead. Rainbow chard, spinach, squash, quince, corn tortillas, fresh apple cider, tiramisu pie, jujubes, carrots, garlic, eggs, chili powder, sweet potatoes, and pecan caramels filled my kitchen after the Saturday Market, and it all tasted so delicious! I especially loved the greens because they were sweeter than the summer selection. I even found myself snacking on the chard raw- which I rarely do because it’s usually too astringent for me to eat without cooking. The Winter Market has proved to deliver quality taste and variety, making me wonder…When is the next Winter Market going to be? This is a question that the Downtown Action Team (DAT) been hearing a lot lately. DAT, the organization that is responsible for coordinating the Growers Market, recognizes the need and value of extending the Market to year-round, and is working hard to make this happen. Beginning in 2013, we want to hold another Winter Market, hopefully making it a weekly event that occurs until May when we return to Robinson Park. The delay in making the Winter Market a regular thing is waiting for a permit to be able to use the space on a more permanent basis. Rest assured, DAT is on the case, and will have more news on whether the Winter Market will continue on Gold or somewhere else Downtown after the New Year. Until then, eat your greens and study up on the very doable art and science of winter gardening. Grow On!