The farmers market at Lincoln University continued its winter season during cold weather Saturday.
The Farmers Market is the only year-round farmers’ market in Jefferson City, according to Chris Larson, a Specialty Crop Program associate and outreach worker, known informally as the Farmers Market Director.
Open 9-11am on the first and third Saturday of every month during the winter season. It takes place at 900 Leslie Blvd., Suite B.
Up to 50 customers show up to buy from a variety of vendors, according to Larson.
He added that sellers have products throughout the year and hope to bring them to market. He said vendors are reaching out to him to stay informed about whether he thinks customers will be available.
Ozark Yankee, a local farm that produces grass-fed beef, chicken, eggs, heirloom tomatoes, fresh seasonal produce, soaps, and other products, offers a variety of products that are not dependent on the growing season. They had things like cow bones, which dogs could use as chew toys.
Vendor Mighty Micros offered a variety of very young plants that mimic the flavor of adult plants, according to owner Sarah Dodson. She said that although they are very tasty, the nutritional value of the young plants is not as great as the seeds from the same plants. She said the seeds contain between five and 40 times the nutritional content of young greens. Her company was delivering freshly cut vegetables on Saturdays.
Little Dodson sunflower is gone early. Although they had run out of delicious sunflower seeds, shoppers were still able to enjoy some of the company’s other products, such as peas, broccoli, and spicy salad mixes.
Susie Stoner, a customer, said there are “good finds” and loves supporting local farmers. She was able to choose from preserves, nuts, eggs and soap.
“Pecans are delicious,” said Janet Brinke, a local farmer.
Jill Lachman said that “anything that can be canned” for the winter is what is usually served.
However, there are certain regulations for what can be canned. Salsa can only be canned in a pressurized container, Brenicki said, otherwise the pH affects preservation.
As for what can be grown, it usually doesn’t come from the greenhouse at this farmer’s market. Young plants are grown in a grow cellar. Greenhouses are used for beginning gardening beginning in May and for anything that likes heat in the winter, according to Brenicky partner Lachman.