11 local farmers markets in Birmingham open now for tasty winter meal inspiration
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With the warm days from last week, it certainly felt like spring already. This weekend is proving that winter is not over yet 🥶. While we may be dreaming of the fresh food that spring brings, winter is not a dead season. Keep reading to see what farm fresh foods are in season as well as where to find these eleven farms and farmers markets in Birmingham.
What’s in this season?
Farmers markets offer foods seasonally, so naturally most of them start selling in May. However, winter markets are becoming more popular, and we’ve seen lots of markets adapt to provide food amidst COVID-19. Working with what the season gives you is a great way to flex your culinary creativity.
If you can’t wait until May to try some of those farm fresh recipes, here’s what produce you may find this winter:
- carrots
- citrus fruits
- collards
- green onions
- herbs
- lettuce
- turnips
- kale
- pecans
- strawberries
Eggs, honeys, meats, jams, cheeses and other dairy products are available all year. These products can take any dish from your regular at home meal to a plate that would impress Gordon Ramsey.
1. Birdsong Farmers Market
This grass-roots farmers market in Birmingham sets up on Saturdays at Automatic Seafood and Oysters. Birdsong prioritizes organic farms and everything is local. They allow people to shop in-person at their market as long as social distancing is practiced.
- Hours: Every Saturday regular market: 7AM-12PM | winter market: 8AM-12PM
- Location: 2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. The Market at Pepper Place
During winter hours, The Market at Pepper Place is curbside only. Their process is well organized and streamlined, making it a breeze to get your local groceries. They will open for socially distanced in-person shopping during their spring season. Make sure to purchase your groceries online before 9AM on Fridays for pick up on Saturday.
- Hours: Every Saturday 7AM-12PM
- Location: 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Birmingham Central Market
Max Transit, the public transportation system in Birmingham, offers more than bus rides around the city. They host a farmers market in Birmingham that supplies fresh food to the central Birmingham area. Birmingham Central Market returns on February 22 for in-person shopping.
- Hours: Monday-Friday regular market: 12:30-5:30PM | winter market: 12:30-3:30PM
- Location: 1601 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Alabama Farmers Market
Alabama Farmers Market was founded in 1921 and moved to its current location in 1954. June 2021 marks Alabama Farmers Market’s 100th anniversary. Celebrate this farmers market in Birmingham that is operated and owned solely by Alabama farmers. You can shop in-person while following COVID precautions.
- Hours: Every day summer market: 5AM-8PM | winter market: 6AM-5PM
- Location: 344 Finley Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
- Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Call
5. Little Giant Farm Market
Forget candy—fresh fruit baskets for Valentine’s Day. Photo via Little Giant Farm Market in Sumiton’s Facebook 
This shirt is iconic. I’ve declared it. Photo via Little Giant Farm Market in Sumiton’s Facebook
Little Giant Farm Market has a little bit of everything. You can shop for groceries and pick up fresh gift baskets. I think everyone needs their t-shirts that say, “Little Giant: Taters, Maters, and Nanners.” Little Giant Farm Market allows for in-person shopping, curbside pickup and delivery to select areas.
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8AM-6PM
- Location: 224 Hull Rd, Sumiton, AL 35148
- Connect: Facebook | Instagram | Call
6. Burnette Farms Market & Café
This farmers market in Birmingham is actually in Pelham. Burnette’s Farms Market & Café reopened on February 11. They have a full market as well as a Café that serves lunch and ice cream (their hot meals sell out). Burnette Farms Market & Café allows in-person shopping with social distancing.
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-3PM | Sunday 11AM-3PM
- Location: 8551 Helena Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
- Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Call
7. till
Hornsby Farms’ pepper jelly is sooo good. Photo via till’s Facebook 
A meal made from till’s farmers market. Photo via till’s Facebook
An online farmers market in Birmingham? Yep. till lets you shop everything at a farmers market but from the comfort of your home—which means it’s pajamas approved. For every purchase made, a portion of produce is donated to local food banks to feed others. Get all your produce, meats and other local grocery items delivered to your door.
8. Local Source Market & Grocery
Local Source isn’t exactly a farmers market in Birmingham. However, this grocery store is inspired by farmers markets and sells products from local Alabama farms. Since Birdsong farmers market is closed on February 13, they are directing their loyal customers to Local Source. Their market offers curbside pickup, in-store shopping and delivery through DoorDash.
- Hours: Sunday-Tuesday 10AM-7PM | Wednesday-Saturday 8AM-7PM
- Location: 2009 15th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Call
9. Marketplace at Lee Branch
There are several farmers markets in Birmingham that are waiting until the spring season to open. The Marketplace at Lee Branch opens again this spring for a drive through market. In the next month or so, check out their website for the chance to preorder your fresh food.
10. BDA Farms
BDA (Bois D’ Arc) Farms practices regenerative agriculture on its 6,000+ organic acres of land. They offer an online store where you can buy various meats and produce in single purchases or subscription boxes.
11. Boozer Farms
Fresh made jams from Boozer Farms. Photo via Boozer Farms’ Facebook. 
I’m now obsessed with islander bell peppers. Photo via Boozer Farms’ Facebook
Boozer Farms supplies other farmers markets and offers an online store. Their farm offers monthly farm boxes (which sell out quick), or you can preorder a Spring CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box. They offer delivery to the Shelby and Jefferson county area.
What dishes are you going to make with your fresh food? Let us know @bhamnow on Instagram and Facebook and @now_bham on Twitter!
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