Bundle up this winter and find food and more at these Central Jersey farmers markets
If you love Central Jersey farmers markets, here's some good news: You don't have to wait until spring to grab fruits, veggies and more.
Farms — as well as artisan food producers making everything from honey to sourdough bread to Indian specialties — are always busy harvesting and creating goods for our tables.
This winter, bundle up and head to one of these five markets for a Jersey Fresh meal.
Cook's Market, New Brunswick
Although Cook's Market won't open in 2024 until May, shoppers can still catch its 20 winter vendors on December Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the market concludes its season on Dec. 15.
The outdoor market, which is under a metal covering, offers items such as honey, craft spirits, hot sauces, jams, natural soaps, non-alcoholic wellness beverages, Spanish olive oil, baked desserts, breads, marinated vegetables, mushrooms and more.
Since the market is operated by Rutgers Gardens, which is part of the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, its vendors include the Rutgers Gardens Student Farm.
"It’s about as 'local' as you can get since the fields are a few hundred feet away from the market stand," said Rutgers Gardens program coordinator Moira Keihm.
The Rutgers Gardens Greenhouse also grows plants that are sold at the market. This time of year, they cut evergreens and holly from Rutgers Gardens trees, and create bundles of seasonal greenery for purchase.
Hot food options for hungry shoppers include a Thai food truck, as well as vendors serving soup, Konkan Indian cuisine, and Jamaican food.
The market accepts SNAP benefits, and distributes and accepts Good Food Bucks.
Go: First three December Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick; rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/cooks-market/.
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Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market, Raritan Township
Due to lack of staff, the Hunterdon Land Trust cut its usual winter market season short last year to December only. But this year, the full season of shopping is back inside the wagon house at Dvoor Farm through April 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This month, the market takes place Dec. 10 and 17. After January, the market will be held on the first and third Sundays of each month.
The winter market will include at least 13 vendors, including breads and cheeses from Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse; organic seasonal vegetables from Cabbage Throw Farm; locally-roasted coffee and teas from Fieldstone Coffee Roasters; locally foraged mushrooms from Wildspawn Mushrooms; and artisan sausages from Purely Pork.
Most vendors accept credit cards at the market, founded more than a decade ago by the land trust, which seeks to preserve the rural settings of Hunterdon County.
Go: Dec. 10 and 17, then the first and third Sundays of each month through April 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dvoor Farm at 111 Mine St., Raritan Township; hunterdonlandtrust.org/farmers-market.
Stangl Factory Market, Flemington
With over 30 vendors inside the Stangl Factory Market, which was previously the 1814 historic home of Stangl Pottery, this indoor farmers market is a foodie and crafter's sight to behold every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You'll find locally-sourced vegetables, grass-fed meats, artisan breads and cheeses, pastured eggs, and specialty prepared foods and desserts. There are also handmade baskets, turned wood, soaps and bath products, and hand-spun yarn.
Go: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; Mine Street and Stangl Road, Flemington; stanglfactory.com/farmers-market-2.
Princeton Farmers Market, Princeton
Shoppers at the Princeton Farmers Market can grab both local food products and artisan-made gifts in Hinds Plaza this month. In December, there are also winter chalets featuring rotating artists selling ceramics, jewelry and paintings.
The 14-year-old outdoor farmers market will have about 20 vendors, including Catalina Empanadas, Cherry Grove Cheese Farm, Davidson's Exotic Mushrooms, Pickle Licious, The Soupeteer, and The Granola Bar.
Go: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. first three December Fridays, then the second and fourth Fridays of each month in 2024 through May 23; Hinds Plaza, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton; princetonfarmersmarket.com.
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West Windsor Community Farmers Market, West Windsor
"It's always farmers market season," said West Windsor Community Farmers Market manager Chris Cirkus, as the market remains outdoors at the Vaughn Drive Lot year-round.
The 20-year-old winter market, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is on the first and third Saturdays from December through April. Seventeen farms and 24 artisan food producers make up the market, along with a composting service and a knife-sharpening service.
Some of the items that shoppers can find at the nearly two-decade-old market include Lebanese hummus and prepared foods; locally-grown oats and whole grain flour; sourdough breads and pastries; both fresh and cave-aged cheeses; Indian sauces; dog treats; and alpaca fiber products. There's also seasonal produce, meats, poultry, fresh fish and more.
Go: First and third Saturdays of each month through April 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; vehicles must enter from 877 Alexander Road to reach the market at the Vaughn Lot, Princeton Junction Train Station, West Windsor; 609-913-7581, wwcfm.org.
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Central NJ winter farmers markets include Flemington, Princeton
