What’s in Season?

Winter

Shop our 99%+ Certified Organic Produce Department.

At BriarPatch Food Co-op, supporting organic local and regional farms is at the heart of what we do. We are a community-owned cooperative and understand the importance of direct farmer relationships to build a resilient food system. At the Patch, you’ll find a colorful array and diverse selection of beautiful, fresh and delicious fruits and veggies all year long. We take great pride in knowing our farmers by name. How do we define what is local?

Allspice

Not actually a mix of spices, it’s so named because of its complex and layered flavors, resembling a combo of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Commonly found in Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Latin cuisines, it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, and even in beverages like mulled wine and spiced cider.

Anise

Distinctly sweet, with a licorice-ness to it and hints of cinnamon and clove. Powerfully aromatic, it goes deep with warmth and spiciness, yet there’s a clean, minty sensation, yet there’s a clean, minty sensation that whispers. Think sambuca and sometimes pho.

Cinnamon

The dried inner bark of trees in the laurel family. You’ve seen it be sweet and savory. From cookies and cakes to mole and shawarma. Cinnamaldehyde, more casually known as cinnamon oil, is said to have antifungal properties too.

Clove

Bold and peppery, pungent and spicy, earthy and bitter with an aroma and flavor that lingers. Just a pinch goes a long way. Once used as a toothache remedy, clove oil is so potent that it can numb your mouth, thanks to a chemical called eugenol. Use whole cloves to infuse flavor slowly, but for instant intensity, opt for the ground version.

Ginger

Known for its zing, ginger is one of the most vibrant and versatile spices out there. Used to treat indigestion, nausea and inflammation, it was popular among sailors to prevent seasickness. Take note, bakers: fresh ginger is not interchangeable with dried or ground ginger.

Mint

Notoriously hardy, spreads quickly, making it both a blessing curse. That signature chill? That’s menthol tricking nerves into sensing cold. Pairs perfectly with lamb, peas, potatoes and yogurt based sauces on the savory side, and in ice cream, chocolate and candies on the sweet side.

Nutmeg

Once considered so valuable that it drove colonial trade wars, it’s actually two spices in one. Nutmeg (the seed) and mace (the red covering around the seed and no, it has nothing to do with defense spray). Potent — just a pinch can change the dimensions of dishes. Described as warm, slightly smoky and comforting.

Vanilla

Needing little introduction, it’s known for its soft, creamy sweetness. The most widely used flavor in the world, vanilla is found in cakes, cookies, coffee, sauces and even seafood dishes. However, it is one of the most labor-intensive spices, with each vanilla orchid needing to be hand-pollinated when grown outside of its native land of Mexico.

Local = Watershed

Our definition of local Flows as we grow

We’ve recently redefined what local means to us. For many years, we’ve defined local relative to our flagship store in Grass Valley. As we grow, our definition expands, too.

We’re Outstanding!
See watershed map
What Local Means