‘Tis the time of year for giving. Or rather, the time of year to gather what you’ll give in just a few weeks. Food and beverages make perfect presents, and area farmers tailgate markets have so much to offer!
Some of the best gifts are meant to be consumed upon opening. Local eggnog from Mills River Creamery is a delicious contribution to any holiday dinner or party — creamy and sweet (but not too sweet) it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Find Mills River Creamery’s eggnog from Brittain Farms at the West Asheville Tailgate Market.
Nothing is sweeter, both literally and figuratively, than local honey. There’s honey vendors at most of the winter/holiday markets. At the North Asheville Holiday Bazaar, stop by Dave’s Raw Honey. He’s got Sourwood honey, extracted in July from flowers of the sourwood tree, which he calls “the Cadillac of honeys,” and has a light, delicate flavor. Dave also has other honeys gathered earlier, in May, from flowers of the mountain blackberry and tulip poplar, which have a fuller flavor than that of sourwood honey.
Jam is a classic edible gift, one that’s a great choice for someone you aren’t sure what to get. Some local jams to give a try: Root Bottom Farm has their Bear’s Jam which won in the West Asheville Tailgate Market jam contest this past summer. Find their jam at the West Asheville Tailgate Market for one more week. Imladris Farm has a range of jam flavors from their sixth generation farm. They also have locally, homemade ketchup! Visit them at the North Asheville Holiday Bazaar.
Asheville Tea Company, new to the Asheville entrepreneurial scene, has black and green teas made with locally sourced flavorings such as bergamot and ginger. One tea blend is made with yaupon holly, a plant native to the southeast. Yaupon holly is the only edible plant native to North America that contains caffeine. Find Asheville Tea Company at the North Asheville Holiday Bazaar and West Asheville Tailgate Market. Their ‘Happy Holly Days’ blend is made with yaupon, wintergreen mint, and pineapple sage flowers. A great gift packed with local flavors, a good story, and a punny name!
Check back next week for more tailgate market gift ideas!
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.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
