Local winter farmers' markets open

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - The December's first snowfall didn't stop shoppers from shopping local Saturday morning.

22News went to the opening day of the Amherst Winter Farmer's Market and found out why residents shop at farmers’ markets.

From potatoes to handmade soap to earrings, the Amherst Winter Market had everything that typical summer farmers' markets offer.

“Meat vendors. We have a fish vendor. We have an amazing cheese vendor,” said Tamsin Flanders the market manager.

Many shoppers told 22News one of the more surprising finds at the Amherst Winter Market is salad greens and turnips. That's because local farmers can store their vegetables in coolers or green houses, so the freshness is not compromised.

“There's a lot of people who are here who grow greens, they are doing it well. So we are going to have a steady supply here at the winter market,” said Matthew Alexander of Simple Gifts Farm.

Many people said the high quality of products is what brings them back each week to farmers' markets.

“When we taste some of the local kale, it's just at a much higher level of quality, taste and healthy eating. It's all good,” said Daniel Berlin of Amherst.

“I've shopped at farmers markets. I find them pretty competitive, and you are getting a really good product, so even if you're paying a little more, it's really worth it,” said Carol Gross of Amherst.

The Amherst Winter Market is open every Saturday in December through March at the Amherst Middle School.

Greenfield’s Winter Market also opened for the season Saturday. The next Franklin County market will be January 5th at Greenfield High School.