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In all but the luckiest parts of the country, late-winter farmers markets are sparse. But that's no reason not to seek out fine local products year-round. Beyond the fruits and vegetables on market tables lies an ever-growing world of American artisan food products?butter, jams, honey, cheeses, pickles, spreads, olive oil, cured meats, and more.
"Artisan" is an un-regulated term that has no set-in-stone definition?but what we're talking about here are foods that are handmade on family-owned farms or by family-owned companies. Some products?like pickles and jams?are made around the country. Others, like olive oil, are centered in one particular region (California). Once you start looking, you'll be amazed at how much you can find?and how good it is.
