It's easy to have fresh produce all year long!

Now is the time to get your cool season crops in the ground because even though many vegetables will mature and keep well during cold weather, most need warm soil temperatures to germinate and grow to a sufficient size in order to withstand those cooler temperatures. There are many crops that fair well in the winter months. These include:

-Fennel

-Beets

-Carrots

-Turnips

-Lettuce

-Peas

-Spinach

-Cauliflower

-Broccoli 

-Cabbage

-Onions

-Swiss Chard

-Kale

Here is a great winter salad recipe from seriouseats.com made with the very nutritious and delicious green: Kale!

Kale, Apple and Pancetta Salad

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces sliced pancetta, diced
•  1/4 cup Champagne vinegar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small head radicchio, shredded
• 1 8-ounce bunch kale, stems discarded, leaves shredded
• 2 tart yet sweet apples, sliced into thick matchsticks
• 3/4 cup pecans, toasted if desired

Procedures

1. 1
   Combine the olive oil and pancetta in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until pancetta is golden and crispy. Strain the pan drippings into a small bowl and leave the crispy pancetta off to the side to cool. Add the Champagne vinegar, maple syrup, salt and pepper and whisk well.
2. 2
   Combine the radicchio, kale, apples and pecans in a large bowl. Toss while adding the dressing, little by little, until salad is well dressed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with crispy pancetta.

For more information about seasonal planting check out the Mendocino Local Food Planting Guide.