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.
With temperatures dipping into the thirties this week, it’s time to fully embrace the bounty of hardy, fall produce at farmers markets! While beloved summer crops like tomatoes and peppers will be seeing their last week at markets, you can find a plethora of winter greens, beets, head lettuce, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, … Read more
Apple season is at its peak in Western North Carolina, and farmers markets are overflowing with a wide variety of the fruit to choose from! Whether you’re looking for apple varieties on the sweeter side like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisps, or something a little more sour and tart, such as Granny Smith and Pink Lady, … Read more
While sweet potatoes are typically available year round, we’re starting to see more vendors bring the root crop to markets as we make our way into fall! The mild, sweet flavor of this vegetable pairs wonderfully with autumnal warming spices like ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, making it a perfect seasonal comfort food. You can … Read more
We officially entered fall last week, and what’s a better way to ring in the new season than with delicious seasonal flavors from our local farmers markets! This week, you can welcome the cool temperatures and changing leaves with fall favorites such as apples, pumpkins, ginger, winter squash and more. Pumpkin is a fall essential … Read more
Locally grown rice from Lee’s One Fortune Farm has arrived at markets this week! While rice is not commonly grown in Southern Appalachia, and generally grown in few areas of the United States, the Lees’ use of nearby streams to irrigate their rice paddies creates the submerged conditions needed to grow their rice. Red rice … Read more
The arrival of earlier sunsets, cooler mornings, and early fall produce at farmers markets all signify the official beginning of fall this coming week! At markets you’ll find many fall staples including sweet potatoes, winter squashes, apples, onions, and more! While we’re excited about the return of some of our favorite fruits and vegetables, it … Read more
It’s officially pear season in North Carolina! Asian pears were in abundance at farmers markets this week, so be sure to grab some while they’re still around. Their sweet, refreshing flavor and crisp texture make for the perfect late-summer snack. You can find Asian pears from McConnell Farms (North and West Asheville markets), Bright Branch … Read more
Labor Day is coming up, and one of the best ways to relax during the long weekend is to grab everything you need at the farmers market to make a few easy meals! Try throwing together a simple tomato salad to share with friends and family, or grilling out in the evenings with the plethora … Read more
Winter may seem far away, but winter squash varieties are already at farmers markets! While our favorite summer squashes—such as zucchini, green-and-yellow zephyr and pattypan are still in abundance, we’ve spotted winter squash varieties like delicata, acorn, kabocha, and spaghetti squash at markets in the past few weeks! Don’t let the hard outer shell of … Read more
Melons have finally made their way to market! While watermelon and cantaloupe are typically enjoyed by themselves, you can do a lot more with them than you think. There are plenty of creative ways to incorporate them into your cooking this summer, including in salads, soups, or even thrown on the grill! Look for both … Read more