In the cold winter weather, it’s so wonderful to shop for local produce in a cozy environment. But it’s not too cozy, it’s still exciting — from week to week, there are differences in markets that keep them new and fresh. Some vendors come, some go, some visit every other week, and which products they have for purchase and sample ebb and flow. Don’t take my word for it — visit a market this Saturday (and then again, next Saturday), and see for yourself.
Next week, keep your eyes out for Rachel of Just Ripe Farm at the YMCA Indoor Winter Market. She’ll have pecans at the market from her family’s land in South Carolina, but she’ll only be there every other week for the winter, so be sure to visit. Roast the pecans and then incorporate them into a savory dish (say, a winter squash casserole) or a sweet dish (perhaps apple pie).
Last week, Wildwood Herbal had samples of cooked carrots with ginger at the YMCA Indoor Winter Market. They made walking through the front doors into the market smell absolutely scrumptious, and they tasted wonderful, too!
Spinning Spider Creamery typically brings the same varieties of cheese with them to the Asheville City Market and YMCA Market, but each week there are a few types of cheese that vary. They’re delicious and fun to sample, and you might go home with a new one you’ve tried that day.
Just recently, Clyde Valley Farm at Asheville City Market began bringing rice flour milled from the rice he grows on his farm. He has two varieties milled into flour: Forbidden, which is a beautiful purple hue, and Carolina Gold. Rice flour makes great pancakes and muffins. You can experiment by substituting it in your favorite recipe, or look for rice flour-specific recipes online.
Each week there are delicious and hearty staples, such as winter squash, cabbage, salad greens, and more! Find winter squash from New Moon Herbs and Meadow Cove Farm, and cabbage from Fiddler’s Green Farm (all of which are at the YMCA Indoor Winter Market). And, salad greens abound, such as from Jake’s Farm, Second Spring Market Garden, and Wildwood Herbal at the Asheville City Market.
Winter markets take place throughout the region. Check out the “2016 Winter Farmers Markets” page on ASAP’s website on asapconnections.org. As always, you can find information about which farm stands are open and other farms to visit in the winter months by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
