Rooted in Winter: What’s Fresh and Local in January

As we settle into the heart of winter here in the Mid-Atlantic, the vibrant berries of summer and the heavy pumpkins of autumn might feel like a distant memory. But don’t let the frosty Maryland, DC, and Virginia landscapes fool you—there is a bounty of fresh, nutritious, and delicious produce waiting to be discovered!

By choosing what’s in season right now, you’re getting the highest nutrient density and supporting our local farmers during their quietest months.

Here is your guide to what’s "growing" (and storing) in our region this January:

1. The Superstars of Storage: Apples & Sweet Potatoes

While the harvest happened a few months ago, January is when "storage crops" shine.

  • Apples: Local favorites like Pink Lady and GoldRush stay crisp and tart well into the new year. They are perfect for a fiber-rich snack or sliced into a winter salad.

  • Sweet Potatoes: These are at their peak sweetness right now! Over the last few months, their starches have naturally converted into sugars, making them the ultimate healthy comfort food.

2. Nature’s Antifreeze: Root Vegetables

Did you know that some vegetables actually taste better after a freeze?

  • Carrots & Parsnips: When the ground chills, these roots produce extra sugar to act as a natural antifreeze. The result? The sweetest carrots you’ve ever tasted.

  • Beets, Turnips, & Rutabagas: These earthy gems are packed with antioxidants and are incredible when roasted with a little olive oil and rosemary.

3. Winter Warriors: Hardy Greens

You don’t need a tropical climate to get your greens. Many local farms in Virginia and Maryland use "high tunnels" to keep these hardy plants going all winter long.

  • Kale & Collard Greens: These are the heavy hitters of winter nutrition. They are tough enough to handle the frost and provide the Vitamin C and K we need during flu season.

  • Winter Spinach: Look for "frost-kissed" spinach at your local winter market. It is often more tender and sweet than summer varieties.

4. Flavor & Fragrance: Aromatics

Winter cooking is all about slow-simmered soups and stews, and January provides the perfect base.

  • Leeks: These thrive in the cold and offer a milder, sweeter flavor than onions.

  • Mushrooms: Since they are grown indoors, local Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms are available fresh and flavorful all month long.

  • Hardy Herbs: Sage and Rosemary often survive the Mid-Atlantic snow, providing fresh, piney aromatics for your kitchen.

How to Shop Local This Month

Just because the main farmers' market might be closed doesn't mean you have to head to the big-box grocery store.

  • Seek out Winter Markets: Many towns in the DMV area host smaller, bi-weekly winter markets.

  • Join a Winter CSA: Some farms offer a "Winter Share" that includes a mix of storage crops, greenhouse greens, and pantry staples.

Eating seasonally in January isn't just about what’s on your plate—it’s about connecting with the rhythm of the land and nourishing your body with exactly what it needs to stay strong through the cold.

Rhonda Watson