Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

It’s getting spooky! Here’s the Halloween edition of what’s fresh at area farmers tailgate markets:
Is it possible to think of Halloween without pumpkins? Though pumpkin flavored specials permeate our nation’s idea of the holiday season, many farmers and bakers will tell you that of the winter squash varieties, pumpkins are among the least flavorful. With that said, their beautiful color and full shape makes for wonderful decorations inside and out. Buy some local pumpkins from Cove Creek Nursery Farm at Black Mountain Tailgate Market.
Caramel apples are a popular Halloween treat. Make it local by purchasing sorghum molasses to make caramel at home. You can find sorghum molasses from Doubletree Farm at North Asheville Tailgate Market. Or, pick-up pre-made fully prepared caramel made with Spinning Spider Creamery’s goat milk. They’re at River Arts District Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, and Asheville City Market. Grab apples from Thatchmore Farm, Creasman Farm, B and L Organic or McConnell Farms. Then, melt the caramel, dip the apples, and let cool.
If you’re feeling industrious, try your hand at homemade candied ginger. Purchase fresh baby ginger from Second Spring Market Garden (Asheville City Market and French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market). Candying involves boiling ginger with sugar, until evaporation begins, followed by cooling the finished candied product on a rack. It requires diligence, but can be done without much prior experience.
Perhaps baking and candy making are not really your cup of tea. That’s just fine because there are bakers at markets who’ve got you covered. Sweetheart Bakery and Farm & Sparrow Bakery have delicious and decadent baked treats and are both at River Arts District Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, and Asheville City Market. If you or your guests are gluten-free, visit Eat More Bakery at Asheville City Market.
At Asheville City Market there will be Halloween festivities that will include a special edition Growing Minds @ Market with a “twist” on apple tasting, and a vendor costume contest judged by market-goers.
For some markets, this is their last week. Check our list of market closing dates, or the individual market’s listing in our online Local Food Guide.
For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse our online Local Food Guide or the online farmers market calendar.