Fresh at Farmers Markets

Start your shopping list and get meal inspiration each week with ASAP’s roundup of what’s fresh at farmers markets. Although this report focuses on vendors at Buncombe County markets, many products mentioned can be found at markets throughout the region. Want to get this report in your inbox each week? Subscribe to ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report newsletter. Looking for a yearlong view? Check out ASAP’s produce seasonality chart.

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

bamboo from Lee's One Fortune Farm

Farmers tailgate markets often provide entertainment in the form of musicians or even, on occasion, dancers or flash mobs. But sometimes the performance can come from the farmers. This week, stop to watch for a few minutes as Tou Lee of Lee’s One Fortune Farm demonstrates how to peel fresh bamboo shoots at his booth. You can … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

ramps from Wild Goods

Things are ramping up at farmers tailgate markets! We’ve spotted several much-anticipated spring fruits and vegetables in the past week, including the first strawberries, asparagus, and, yes, ramps.  Ramp mania has been going strong for several years, from foragers who fiercely protect their secret patches to chefs who dream up creative ways to use them. … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

dyed brown eggs from Dry Ridge Farm

Ready to up your egg dyeing game this spring? Whether you are decorating eggs as part of an Easter tradition or to celebrate other springtime rites, farmers tailgate markets have lots of options. Shop for an assortment of sizes—from tiny quail eggs to giant goose eggs—for a unique basket.  If you visited Asheville City Market this past … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

starts-from-BL-Organic_photo-by-Camilla-Calnan-Photography

With sunnier days and rising temperatures, many of us are eager to get our hands in the dirt in our home gardens. In addition to offering an abundance of local food, farmers tailgate markets are also a great place to get plant starts and pick up gardening tips. As markets open for spring and more … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

market shopper, photo by Camilla Calnan Photography

Farmers tailgate markets are readying tents for a new season with a few shifts in location and hours coming up over the next few weeks. Below is a rundown for what to look for at Buncombe County markets, but you can also find opening dates for markets across the region at asapconnections.org/farmersmarkets.  At these early spring … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

green garlic

Spring officially arrives on Sunday! Most farmers tailgate markets around the region have opening dates starting in April and May. We’ll have a rundown of times and locations for Buncombe County markets in next week’s report. Though it will still be a month or so before we see asparagus, rhubarb, or strawberries at markets, we’re definitely … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

After the taste of spring temperatures this past week, you might feel a little disheartened by the cold snap on its way. But you can embrace the last week of winter by leaning into some warm, hearty meals made with ingredients from winter farmers markets. Markets are a bit smaller right now, with winter storage crops thinning and full spring production not yet underway. But you can still find what you need for a delicious shepherd’s pie—a quintessential dish for eating by a cozy fire.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

The forecast for the weekend is begging you to ditch the heavy winter coat, pack a tasty sandwich, and head outside! Banh mi, a Vietnamese street food staple, includes many ingredients available at winter markets right now, including daikon radish, carrots, lemongrass, and cilantro. Our recipe takes a bit of advance prep time for marinating and pickling, but the actual active work is fairly simple. 

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Turnips

Turnips are a stalwart of winter farmers markets, particularly the white, globe-shaped hakurei variety. Also known as a salad turnip, these root veggies are sweeter and more tender than other turnips. Unlike other turnips, you can eat them raw. They’ve grown in popularity with growers (and eaters) in recent years, and you can find them from several farms right now, including Olivette Farm at ASAP Farmers Market and Highgate Farm at River Arts District Farmers Market. 

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Lion's Mane mushrooms

Not sure what to do with unfamiliar products you spot at farmers markets? Talking to farmers or other food vendors is a great way to pick up new recipes or cooking tips. For instance, lion’s mane mushrooms, which look a little like a furry head of cauliflower, might confound mushroom shoppers. But Jay and Gwen at Black Trumpet Farm (at River Arts District at ASAP markets) will happily share a recipe for faux crab cakes made from lion’s mane. This vegetarian meal option makes a surprisingly convincing substitute for the real thing.

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