Get Inspired to Celebrate Minnesota’s Seasonal Joys from January through April
The start of the new year is the perfect time to explore unique ways to live seasonally and support Minnesota farmers year-round. Whether you’re knitting cozy winter hats with local fiber, simmering hearty soups with local grains, or watching garden plants start to grow while the snow melts, there are myriad ways to enjoy what Minnesota has to offer – even in the colder months!
When you think “Minnesota Grown,” you might picture bustling outdoor markets in the summer sun. But supporting local doesn’t stop when the leaves fall! Just as the seasons change, so do the ways you can embrace local living with each flip of the calendar pages. When you bring home locally-grown goods, not only do you get to enjoy savoring seasonal flavors and traditions, but also the pleasure of knowing you’re investing in the success of local farmers and producers across the state. By living seasonally, you strengthen Minnesota’s local economy and deepen connections with your community.
To inspire you, we’ve gathered some simple and fun ways you can savor local from the depths of winter through the start of spring. From handmade wool products to vibrant spring flowers, there’s plenty of locally-grown goodness to enjoy!
Browse tips by month:
January
The new year brings opportunities to try new things! Get out and connect with growers and makers at winter farmer’s market or stay in for a weekend with a slow-cooked meal to warm the heart and home.
- Start your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal made with local oats, nuts and seeds, and honey or maple syrup.
- Bundle up and connect with your community at a winter farmers' market near you.
- Explore a new winter recipe using a Minnesota protein you haven't tried before, like bison, lamb, or elk.
- Find a microgreen producer near you to add freshness and nutrients to a winter dish.
February
Warm your fingers, toes, and everything in between with local fiber, whether you knit it yourself or order finished products from a local farmer. Then beat the winter doldrums by selecting a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share for next spring. Your future self and your farmer will thank you!
- Cook a wholesome soup or hearty hotdish using Minnesota wild rice.
- Toast your Valentine with wine from a local vineyard or spirits made from locally-grown grain.
- Keep everyone’s toes toasty with socks or boot liners made from Minnesota Grown wool – knit your own or buy pre-made.
- Sign up for a CSA subscription that will bring you fresh foods during the upcoming harvest.
March
Late winter is the time for dreams and planning for the warmth ahead. Enjoy the last soups and hearty roasts, and clear out the pantry and freezer to make room for spring! CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms are beginning to sell out for the summer and greenhouses are working hard to grow plants for your yard and garden.
- Try a new recipe using pure maple syrup to celebrate Maple Syrup Month in Minnesota (e.g. Maple Cherry Granola, Maple Vinaigrette, or Maple Mustard Marinade).
- Soothe dry skin with lotions and balms made with local goat milk or beeswax.
- Create a charcuterie board featuring unique local cheeses to share with friends and family.
- Map out your garden and buy locally-grown seeds to start indoors.
April
The heavy coats are off (hopefully!), and Minnesotans are ready to live large, but it takes time for farms to awake from their winter dormancy. Ease into spring with local eggs, dairy, and greens. Get in the spirit by shopping for plants and flowers and going for puddle-stomping walks.
- Try a new type of green from a local farm in a fresh spring salad or sandwich.
- Host a brunch party featuring Minnesota raised farm eggs and bacon.
- Buy local tulips, daffodils, or other spring flowers to brighten up your home or give as a gift.
- Visit a nursery or garden center to pick up plants for your yard, garden, or patio.
- Find your nearest outdoor farmers’ market and mark the opening date in your calendar.
Ready to Dive into Local Living?
There’s no better time than the present to experience the best Minnesota has to offer. Take some time during these frosty and thawing months to bolster your community and have fun doing it. By choosing to support local year-round, you’ll not only discover new favorites but also help sustain the family farms and businesses that make our state one-of-a-kind!
Whether you’re cozying up this winter or welcoming spring, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Minnesota flavors and goodies. From fresh foods to special finds, every purchase makes a difference. Explore the Minnesota Grown directory to find more ways to support local!