Eating Local in December

Snow flurries nearly as light as air fell a few days ago and the sight started me to think whether or not it is possible to eat locally even in the winter months. The answer is: It depends.

According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (a mouthful if there ever was one), there are farmer's markets throughout the state functioning nearly all the way up through Christmas.

In Winchester, the Freight Station Farmer's Market continues to offer milk and other dairy products, chicken and pork through December 21.

But what about fresh fruits and vegetables? The choices for these items during the colder months are definitely few and far between, but if the local fresh food buyer is willing to make a few small accommodations, there are ways.

First, think apples. Apples are one of the heartier fruits grown in Virginia, and can be processed in a variety of tasty ways. Remember, buying local doesn't mean buying right off the tree or harvested that morning. Turkey Knob, a company based in Timberville, VA, has an apple of the month club that does include the cold months Dec-March.

But if crunchy apples are not your thing, maybe apple butter is what you want. The White House brand, found in most of the large retail supermarkets and local stores, is a local company. Based in Winchester, White House makes cider, apple butter and apple sauce.

For the carnivores who want local, Virginia has that too, in the form of cattle and pigs raised on farms around the state. One farm, Hollin Farm, based in Delaplane, raises Angus beef that tastes better than the Angus burgers that McDonald's is selling, that's for sure. Pasture fed and no antibiotics, according to the company's marketing materials, buying locally raised beef is just a phone call or Internet click away.

Vegetables also are available on the Internet from the Virginia Organic Cooperative. With vehicles powered in part through bio-diesel, the certified organic Co-op -- and its partner the Virginia Green Grocer -- is a great way to get veggies in the winter months.