Last winter I was in locavore heaven. Even when the snow was flying, I scored tasty eats from Portland’s first-ever winter farmers’ market offered by Thirty Acre Farm and Freedom Farm, both regulars at Portland’s warm weather markets. This winter at least two additional farmers will join these winter market pioneers to offer even more locally-grown and raised food to people able to make it to the bi-weekly pick-up in Portland’s Monument Square.

Unlike the summer farmers’ market where you pick and choose at your leisure, the winter market relies on orders. Every other week, the farmers send out an email detailing the various vegetables, meats, cheeses and preserved goods available to purchase. Those of us on the receiving end reply with a list of the items we’d like. Then the following Wednesday at the appointed time (last winter it was between 11 am-1 pm), we show up and hand over cash (or checks) in exchange for luscious Maine eats.

The regular farmers’ market in Portland will run through Nov. 26. Then the winter market will start up with its first pick-up day Dec. 10.

— Avery Yale Kamila