Is there anything more beautiful than a bouquet of purple, pink, and red on Valentine’s Day? Of course we’re talking about veggie bouquets! Brighten your loved one’s life with an array of colorful (and healthful) foods this year. Radicchio, radishes, beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots are all in season now at winter farmers markets.
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
Maybe it’s just February vibes or because we’re already thinking about Super Bowl snacks, but we have chili on the brain. If slow-cooking a piece of meat sounds good to you, too, winter farmers markets are a great place to start! We have a few variations on the chili theme below—including a non-meat option that still hits that same comfort-food note.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Farmers grow a diversity of leafy greens year-round in our region, but you might find your favorites sell out quickly at winter tailgate markets (we’re looking at you, spinach). This is a great opportunity to substitute your go-to greens with something slightly different. Here’s a rundown of what types of greens you might encounter at markets right now.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
As we wait to see how last week’s snow storm will affect field crops and hoop houses, now might be a good time to explore some of the storage veggies at winter farmers markets, like sweet potatoes, cabbage, and winter squash. We have a couple of ideas to make the most of the winter squash varieties still available from several farms—including butternut from Sleight Family Farm, kabocha from Lee’s One Fortune Farm, and acorn from Highgate Farm. Look for Sleight at ASAP Farmers Market, Highgate at River Arts District Farmers Market, and the Lees at both markets.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Though we’re certainly getting cold temperatures now, a warmer than usual December accounts for lots of produce variety at winter farmers markets now. In addition to storage veggies like squash and sweet potatoes, hardy greens like kale and mustard, and winter stalwarts like radishes and salad turnips, we’ve also spotted early snow peas and broccoli.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
We’ll have three weekly farmers tailgate market options in Buncombe County this winter! In addition to the winter market versions of ASAP Farmers Market and River Arts District Farmers Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market will now offer a year-round shopping opportunity with an indoor market on Wednesdays at Weaverville Community Center.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Whatever holiday traditions you keep—opening gifts on Christmas morning or sleeping till noon on New Year’s Day—chances are you could use at least one great make-ahead breakfast dish in the next few weeks. You’ll need to do your local ingredient shopping this week, as farmers tailgate markets will take a hiatus between Dec. 22 and the first week in January. Two markets will continue through the winter. River Arts District Winter Farmers Market will return to Plēb Urban Winery Jan. 5 and ASAP Farmers Market will reopen at A-B Tech’s Asheville campus on Jan. 8.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Are you a DIY gift maker (or baker)? Or perhaps in need of something special to bring to a holiday gathering? Sweet treats abound this time of year, but don’t overlook the savory and snackable gift. Shopping at farmers tailgate markets can be great inspiration!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
With the Thanksgiving holiday past us, Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets have shifted into holiday market gear. That means you may find changed or abbreviated hours, so double check this list or your market’s social media to confirm. You’ll also find more artisan and craft vendors and fewer produce vendors. While you can still grab what you need to prepare nourishing meals this week (including greens, root veggies, winter squash, meat, eggs, cheese, bread, and more), you might also be able to check a few items off your holiday shopping list.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is not a festival of light eating. You could celebrate this holiday—which starts on Monday—with a different dish or dessert for all eight nights! Incorporate a variety of local ingredients all available now at tailgate markets throughout Buncombe County.