Pepper Place Winter Farmers Market in Birmingham to feature Alabama goods
Yes, the Pepper Place Winter Market will sell produce, but Hero Doughnuts will also be available. (Contributed)
For those going through Pepper Place Market withdrawals, the popular Birmingham Saturday outings will return – at least in part – later this month.
The Market at Pepper Place will hold its first Winter Farmers Market every Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, starting Jan. 28 and lasting through April 1.
“So many folks just love the Pepper Place. They come every Saturday, do their shopping, have breakfast, visit with the farmers … it’s become a happy part of their weekly routine,” said Leigh Sloss-Cora, executive director of the Market at Pepper Place. “Towards the end of the season, they started asking if we’d ever consider operating it year-round. We asked some of the farmers we thought might have something to sell during the winter, they said ‘Absolutely – let’s do it!’ In no time, we were able to pull it together.”
The winter market will be held inside the Pepper Place Pop‐Up space at 2825 Second Ave. S. in Birmingham’s Lakeview District.
“It will be small, since we’re just getting started, and set up inside the Pepper Place Pop-up so we don’t have to worry about winter weather,” Sloss-Cora said. “But it’s going to be beautiful and fun and full of amazing variety. You can’t believe how much wonderful produce farmers are able to grow with the help of greenhouses, high tunnels, and new techniques and technology. We are so excited, and judging by the response on Facebook and Instagram, our market shoppers and fans also can’t wait for the market to be back.”
Unlike the larger, three-block, outdoor event that makes up the spring and summer market, the winter market will be mostly indoors with an emphasis on Alabama-made products and seasonal or year-round produce.
Fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers are planned along with eggs, cheeses, breads, meat, poultry, honey, salsa and nuts. Vendors will also include Hero Doughnuts and Domestique Coffee.
Popular growers and farmers such as Belle Meadow Farm, Owl’s Hollow Farm, Silver Lane Farm, Marble Creek Farmstead and Rora Valley Farms are on board for the opening day. Also, Hinkel’s on Main will have pastries and artisan breads, Dayspring Dairy will have cheeses and spreads, and Eastaboga Bee Co. will have its array of products. After Midnight Salsa Co., Vincent Gardens and others are also on board for the launch of the winter market.
Pepper Place officials said, “Alabama farmers are resourceful, and with the help of greenhouses, high tunnels, modern techniques and technology, now able to produce outstanding quality crops and other edibles, even in the cold months.”
There will be music and seating inside and out.
Double Up Food Bucks will also be available for SNAP/EBT recipients.
For weekly updates on the farmers and products at the Winter Farmers Market, visit www.pepperplacemarket.com or @pepperplacemarket on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to the newsletter.
