Fresh winter veggies from Long Island farmers

Missing farm-fresh vegetables? The summer growing season may be over, but a new crop of fresh, locally grown vegetables are available across Long Island, with more farms than ever offering winter Community-Supported Agriculture shares or setting up booths at indoor farmers markets.

"A lot of people have gotten used to the fresh vegetables from the summer share and don't really want to go back to the grocery store or buy organic from California," says Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht, co-owner of Garden of Eve in Riverhead. "With a CSA share, you can eat locally pretty much year-round."

A CSA share allows consumers to pay upfront and receive a portion of the farmer's harvest throughout the season. Dozens of farms run CSAs from late spring through fall -- now a handful are offering winter shares of crops straight from the farm's root cellar (think potatoes, carrots, beets, rutabaga) or greens such as kale and Swiss chard that can be grown in a greenhouse.

"These hearty foods are what people should be eating," says Maggie Kurek, co-owner of The Golden Earthworm Organic Farm in Jamesport.

Shoppers can also peruse such offerings at winter farmers markets, where you'll also find artisanal cheeses, handmade pasta, breads and jams.

Deep Lane, Amagansett

652 Peconic Bay Blvd., Jamesport

4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead

25180 County Rd. 48, Peconic

Open three years, this market has 25-30 vendors each week. In addition to four local farmers, expect others selling bread, cheese, jam, soup and pasta.

Although smaller than its sister market in Huntington, here you'll still find a selection of vegetables, cheeses, breads, hot sauces, vegan and gluten-free baked goods and handmade pastas.

In its third year, the Fair Foods Farmers' Market has up to 15 vendors, almost all of which are Long Islanders. Offerings include vegetables, handmade pasta, baked goods and homemade empanadas.