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.
Still trying to figure out what to cook friends and family for Thanksgiving this year? Try getting creative with your typical Thanksgiving sides with local produce from farmers tailgate markets! Despite some below freezing temperatures last week, there are still plenty of fresh vegetables at markets to use in your holiday cooking. This butternut squash … Read more
Locally raised turkeys are in high demand leading up to Thanksgiving! If you weren’t able to place an order in time for your bird this year, but are still looking for a local holiday centerpiece, not to worry! Farmers markets have plenty of options for a turkey alternative, including chicken, lamb, beef, and pork. Or … Read more
Markets are growing full of fall and winter produce like turnips, radishes, squash, and winter greens, but did you know that you could also find locally grown and foraged nuts at markets too? Look for chestnuts from Smallholding Farm (East Asheville Tailgate Market) and Forest Farmacy (Asheville City and West Asheville markets), as well as … Read more
This weekend is your last chance to find a local jack-o-lantern or other decorative squash for Halloween next week! Farmers tailgate markets have plenty of pumpkins, as well as other festive winter squash varieties like kabocha, butternut, acorn and jester squash to adorn your home with spooky decor for the holiday. You can find winter … Read more
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, okra and peppers will be seeing their last week at markets soon, you can find a plethora of fall and winter veggies like beets, broccoli, kale, arugula, … Read more
Persimmons often get lost in the usual bounty of fall produce (apples, pears, and winter squash), but this underrated autumn fruit deserves a little more recognition in our opinion! A ripe persimmon typically has a sweet flavor that is often described as honey-like, with a similar texture to apricots. This fruit can be more versatile … Read more
Locally grown rice from Lee’s One Fortune Farm has finally returned to markets! This week, look for sweet sticky and red rice from the Lees, with more varieties to come over throughout the season, like purple and brown rice! You can find them at Asheville City, Black Mountain, East Asheville, River Arts District, and West … Read more
We officially entered fall, 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, winter squash, sweet potatoes, and more! One of the first signs of autumn … Read more
If you haven’t tried a pawpaw yet, now is the chance! This lesser known fruit has a taste most similar to tropicals like mangoes and bananas, but is native to the Eastern United States! The easiest way to enjoy pawpaws is by cutting in half, removing the seeds, then scooping out the flesh to eat … Read more
With the Autumn equinox just a week away, we’ll start to see less of some of our favorite summer produce, and make way for a new fall harvest! While tomatoes, peppers, okra and melons are on their way out of markets, there’s plenty of delicious recipes to preserve these cherished seasonal fruits and veggies. Tomatoes … Read more