11 local farmers markets in Birmingham open now for tasty winter meal inspiration

Birdsong farmers market in Birmingham — Can’t wait to see what April showers bring to the harvest at Birdsong. Photo via Birdsong Farmers Market’s Facebook

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?

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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.

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1. Birdsong Farmers Market

Produce from Birdsong farmers market in Birmingham — Winter markets have lots of greens. Photo via Birdsong Farmers Market’s Facebook

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

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2. The Market at Pepper Place

Drive up farmers markets in Birmingham Market at Pepper Place — Farmers at the Market at Pepper Place, April 25, 2020. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

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

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3. Birmingham Central Market

Max transit Birmingham Central Market famers market in Birmingham — Photo taken March 2020—hard to believe it’s almost a year later. Photo via Bham Now

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

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4. Alabama Farmers Market

peppers at Alabama Farmers Market at farmers markets in Birmingham — This picture is hot! Photo via Alabama Farmers Market’s Facebook

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

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5. Little Giant Farm Market

gift baskets from Little Giant Farm Market in Sumiton — Forget candy—fresh fruit baskets for Valentine’s Day. Photo via Little Giant Farm Market in Sumiton’s Facebook

business t-shirt from Little Giant Farm Market in Sumiton — Forget candy—fresh fruit baskets for Valentine’s Day. 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

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6. Burnette Farms Market & Café

fresh made fudge from Burnette Farms Market & Café farmers market in Birmingham — I’ll be visiting Pelham soon. Photo via Burnette Farms Market & Café’s Facebook

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

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7. till

produce and products from till's farmers market in Birmingham — Hornsby Farms’ pepper jelly is sooo good. Photo via till’s Facebook

farm fresh meal from till's products — Hornsby Farms’ pepper jelly is sooo good. 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.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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8. Local Source Market & Grocery

produce from farmers markets in Birmingham at Local Source — Picture perfect set up at Local Source. Photo via Local Source Market & Grocery’s Facebook

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

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9. Marketplace at Lee Branch

Marketplace at Lee Branch farmers markets in Birmingham

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.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Call

10. BDA Farms

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basket of veggies from BDA farms farmers markets in Birmingham — What could you make with this basket? Photo via BDA Farm’s Facebook

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.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Call

11. Boozer Farms

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jam from Boozer Farms — Fresh made jams from Boozer Farms. Photo via Boozer Farms’ Facebook.

Islander bell peppers from Boozer farms — Fresh made jams from Boozer Farms. 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.