[Photographs: Jennifer Maiser]

The Davis Farmers' Market, about 75 miles from San Francisco, has been dubbed "America's favorite farmers' market" by the American Farmland Trust. It's a large, year-round market that boasts over 50 vendors. It's vibrant, even on one of the coldest Saturdays in recent memory in California.

The cold this past week has worried many farmers in northern California. It was unseasonably warm a few weeks ago, causing many spring trees to bloom, but the weekend thermometer was in the twenties in many areas, putting the newly blossomed trees at risk of freezing. Some farmers are even looking at total crop failure. It's a little early to understand the longterm effects, but it's not looking good.

Either way, the early months of the calendar year are some of the most mundane at the market. Sure, we have fabulous citrus and greens, but the scene doesn't change much between December and February.

Last weekend, luckily, we did start to see hints of spring! Asparagus made its first appearance at the market to the delight of many, and green garlic is now available. I'm looking forward to the next month as it warms up and we begin to see peas, strawberries and the return of pastured eggs.

Seasonal Produce Guide

In Season Right this Minute

Green onions
Kale, chard and collard greens
Green garlic

Coming Soon

Strawberries
Asparagus in abundance
Spring peas
Artichokes

It's Time To Put Up

Preserved citrus
Marmalades
Pickled radishes
Cellared potatoes

About the author: Jennifer Maiser writes about locally and sustainably grown food. She is the founder and editor of the Eat Local Challenge website and writes at Life Begins at 30, her personal weblog.