What I’m buying and cooking with during the month of February?  Green smoothies sweetened with apple, brussel sprouts roasted in coconut oil and chili flakes, and my last fix of winter squash in soups and atop organic arugula salads.  

Ohh but there’s so much more to enjoy… Here’s the list of Bay Area seasonal specialties you should stock your fridge with over the next month.  

• Apples
• Arugula (1st month!)
• Asparagus (1st month!)
• Beets (YR)
• Bok Choy (YR)
• Broccoli (YR)
• Brussel Sprouts 
• Cabbage (YR)
• Carrots (YR)
• Cauliflower (YR)
• Chard (YR)
• Collards (YR)
• Garlic (YR)
• Grapefruit 
• Kale (YR)
• Lemons 
• Lettuces (YR)
• Onions (YR)
• Oranges 
• Spinach (YR)
• Squash, winter (last month!)

*YR = year round crops

Teaser.  What can you look forward to lining the farmers markets’ asiles in the next few months?  My mouth is already watering…

• Artichokes!
• Strawberries!
• Avocados!
• Peas!

Shop Seasonal lists are based on information from the “Buy Fresh Buy Local: The Eater’s Guide to Local Food”. Bay Area, 4th Edition).

Jan is a tough month to shop seasonal because of the cold winter weather across the fields. BUT, there are surprisingly many delicious options out there at the farmer’s market this month that will make for fresh and beautiful meals.   Before you head out with your cloth bag on a mission, familiarize yourself with year round crops (below listed YR for Bay Area).  These will be what you most depend on during these cold weather months.  

Remember, buying produce that is not necessarily in season in your area, most likely means that it is coming from far away.  This has 3 implications.

1. Far distance to travel = time passed = produce has lost some of its most important nutrients that are richest just after picking off the plant or digging from the ground. Your body is not reaping the ultimate benefit from the food.
2. Time passed = less TASTE.  Have you ever tasted a conventional tomato from Safeway, and then tasted a tomato straight from the farmers market?  Ooh yess my friend, there is a noticeable difference.  
3. Distance to travel = not supporting your local economy.  Keeping your dollars in your immediate area fuels jobs and growth locally.

Here are the Bay Area’s seasonal specialties for the month of Jan:

• Apples
• Beets (YR)
• Bok Choy (YR)
• Broccoli (YR)
• Brussel Sprouts (YR)
• Cabbage (YR)
• Carrots (YR)
• Cauliflower (YR)
• Chard (YR)
• Collard Greens (YR)
• Garlic (YR)
• Grapefruit
• Kale (YR)
• Lemons
• Lettuces (YR)
• Mushrooms (YR)
• Onions (YR)
• Oranges
• Pears (last month!)
• Potatoes
• Radishes (YR)
• Spinach (YR)
• Winter Squash (2 more months!)

Shop Seasonal lists are based on information from the “Buy Fresh Buy Local: The Eater’s Guide to Local Food”. Bay Area, 4th Edition).

A sandwich is just about as novel as you can get for us gluten free kids.  

I discovered Sadie and her incredible local company BreadSRSLY at the Fort Mason farmers market last year, and have watch her company grow at a rapid pace.  There’s a reason for this…her bread is ridiculously good.  And its all made from organic and local produce and certified gluten free flours.  I’ve tried their Kale Garlic Sourdough and their Dried Apple Cinnamon…each variety is innovative and so flavorful.  You can find her breads at the below link for pick up or delivery by bike in the SF and Berkeley areas.

So about this sandwich I made….

BreadSRSLY’s classic Sourdough bread, organic turkey breast, organic cucumber, avocado, organic spinach and organic, gluten free hummus.  I know it looks delicious, and the picture does not even do it justice.

http://www.breadsrsly.com/