Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Though summer fruits may be the most varied and abundant, autumn fruits are wonderfully crisp, and bursting with flavor!
Apples are symbolic to many cultures around the world. At the most basic of representations, they are THE emblematic fruit of the fall harvest. Alongside pumpkins, apples mean autumn to Americans.
At area tailgate farmers markets, there are multiple farms with apples. Each farm will have different varieties of apples from week-to-week, as they’re ready to harvest. Also, venture out to a farm and pick your own! Find u-pick farms in our online Local Food Guide.
Creasman Farms (Asheville City Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, Black Mountain Tailgate Market) have many varieties to choose from! Want to hear more about their farm? Visit soundcloud.org/growinglocal — ASAP’s radio segments that air on WNCW on Monday mornings. This week’s episode features Dawn Creasman speaking about their third-generation apple farm, the evolution of her and her husband’s apple sales starting in 1995, and more.
B & L Organic Farm have been farming since 1976. Their apples are no-spray and less common varieties. They’re smaller than conventional apples, and have more spots, but once you bite into them, you’ll be grateful for every mark that makes these apples so incredibly delicious! Right now they have Golden Grimes, Royal Limbertwig, and Red Rome varieties, and they usually set out slices to sample at markets. Find them at North Asheville Tailgate Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market.
Apples aren’t the only fruit to be found now. McConnell Farms have multiple varieties of grapes, as well as figs! They have apples, apple cider, and ginger, too. Visit McConnell Farms at West Asheville Tailgate Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, and Asheville City Market.
Bear Necessity Farm has cultivated a range of varieties of strawberries so as to produce them all season long. Though strawberries aren’t common fall fruits, Bear Necessity has them now at Asheville City Market!
Fall is a wonderful time for market events: West Asheville Tailgate Market and River Arts District Market both have upcoming market dinners — WATM on October 18 featuring chefs from The Bull and Beggar; RAD on November 7, featuring the chef from All Souls Pizza, and the baker behind Farm and Sparrow Bakery. And, Asheville City Market will be hosting Gan Shan Station at market on October 22.
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. Find out where farmers tailgate markets are on which days. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting our online Local Food Guide.