An interesting week at area farmers tailgate market as market vendors and shoppers were bundled up for our annual “blackberry winter,” referring to a cold snap that often occurs in late spring when the blackberries are in bloom.
Another berry – strawberries – are the main attraction at Asheville City Market. Blue Meadow Farms, McConnell Farms, and Jake’s Farm all were offering up that red berry delight this past Saturday. What else could you find? All kinds of veggies, such as turnips and radishes from Aardvark Farm, lettuce and kale courtesy of Paper Crane Farm, Earhart Market Garden’s pea shoots and cilantro, and spring onions and spinach from Green Toe Ground Farm. Sounds like the makings of a great salad! Smoking J’s Fiery Foods had pepper starts in addition to their selection of salsas, hot sauces, and barbecue sauces. And, don’t miss out on McConnell Farms’ green and purple asparagus, as you won’t be able to get it much longer.
Over at the Transylvania Farmers Market, you can get strawberries from BusyBee Farm, who also had beef cuts and fresh trout from Sunburst Trout Farms. Coming soon to their booth will be brambleberries, a family of berries grown on “brambles,” or bushes with a thorn texture. In late June, customers can look forward to purchasing some of their famous honey. Davis Family Farms sold out of their strawberries before 10 am, this past Saturday. Customers can purchase berries at market (if they’re early!) or can pick their own on the farm in Penrose. Also at the Transylvania market, Deep Woods Mushrooms boasted a number of mushroom varieties including Shiitake, Woodear, and Chaga. They also had mushroom cookbooks for sale as well as garlic, honey, and their own Shakee Takee, a dried mushroom blend for seasoning. This coming Saturday serves as the kick off for Brevard’s annual White Squirrel Festival, and the Transylvania County Farmers Market will be hosting a “dress your dog like a white squirrel” costume contest.
Over at the East Asheville Tailgate Market, there were all kinds of market goodies. Eagle Rock Farm, a new farm operation in Swannanoa, is offering up homemade kimchi, greens, Shiitake mushrooms as well as tomato and summer squash starts. Want to grab some things for an all-star breakfast? Vandele Farms on Cedar Creek has pork breakfast sausage and eggs, in addition to chops, tenderloin and other pork and beef products. If it’s greens you after, try Highgate Farm, who is selling red-stemmed spinach, romaine lettuce, salad mix, and Asian greens.
For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse our online Local Food Guide or our online farmers market calendar.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
