What is in season in Columbus. and what to order when the market changes.

Spring

  • Ohio ramps: Wild leeks at North Market and Worthington Farmers Market through April. Sauteed in butter or pickled, the spring Ohio forage.
  • Asparagus: Ohio asparagus arrives at the Worthington Farmers Market through May. Grilled with the maple-cured bacon and a Stauf's espresso for the morning.
  • Strawberries: Late May local strawberries at Worthington and Clintonville markets. Pistacia Vera turns them into a strawberry kouign-amann; Jeni's runs a fresh strawberry sherbet.

Summer

  • Sweet corn: Ohio sweet corn at peak from late July through August. Donatos runs a corn-and-pesto summer pie; the corn at the North Market vendors goes straight to the grill.
  • Heirloom tomatoes: August tomato peak at the Worthington Farmers Market. Brassica and Comune run tomato-driven plates; Schmidt's adds the BLT to the summer board.
  • Peaches: Ohio peaches through July and August at the Clintonville Farmers Market. Pistacia Vera laminates a peach galette through the summer.
  • Blackberries: Late August blackberries from Ohio orchards. Jeni's Brambleberry Crisp is the season's edible signature.

Autumn

  • Ohio apples: Apple peak mid-September through November at Clintonville and Worthington markets. Hocking Hills orchards run cider through November; Schmidt's adds the apple strudel.
  • Pawpaw: September pawpaws at Worthington Farmers Market, the Ohio native fruit with a mango-banana finish. Specialty bakers feature pawpaw bread and pawpaw ice cream.
  • Pumpkins and squash: October squash at every Columbus market. Northstar runs a butternut squash bowl; Comune turns them into a roasted plate.

Winter

  • Ohio root vegetables: Winter carrots, parsnips and turnips through January and February at North Market. Wolf's Ridge braises them with the house Belgian wheat.
  • Cabbage and kraut: Schmidt's house kraut runs all winter at the Kossuth Street hall, fermented with the family Bahama Mama platter.
  • Maple syrup: March maple tap at Hocking Hills orchards, the season's first taste; pancakes at Northstar and Sunny Street Cafe get the local maple.
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