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 what’s in season.

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Asheville City Market - Winter

Winter has arrived (recent weather notwithstanding) and many year-round farmers tailgate markets have moved indoors. Though fewer in number, these markets still offer the best of local, seasonal produce. Throughout the colder season you will find plenty of storage crops, like sweet potatoes, potatoes, apples, cabbage, turnips, winter squash, beets, and carrots. Many farms make use of greenhouses or high tunnels to continue producing salad mixes, lettuces, and dark, leafy greens straight through to springtime. Meats, eggs, cheeses, bread, and artisan foods and products will also be available. 

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

collard greens, kale, and radishes

Tomorrow is your last chance to shop local farmers tailgate markets this year! The final two markets of the season are tomorrow (Saturday): Asheville City Market (downtown from 9 a.m. to noon) and The Holiday Bazaar (on the UNCA campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). All markets will take an hiatus through the end of the year. Indoor winter markets, including in Buncombe County Asheville City Market (Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon  in the Masonic Temple) and River Arts District Winter Market (Wednesdays 3 to 6 p.m. at Plēb Urban Winery) will return beginning January 4. A full list of holiday and winter markets throughout the region can be found at asapconnections.org.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

wreaths from Green Toe Ground

This week offers several prime opportunities to shop local farmers tailgate markets for holiday gifts, party preparations—or just your weekly grocery needs. East Asheville Tailgate Market’s holiday market and fundraiser is today, from 3 to 6 pm, plus there are still several Saturday morning (Asheville City Market and The Holiday Bazaar) and midweek (West Asheville Tailgate Holiday Market, River Arts District Winter Market, Weaverville Tailgate Winter Market) markets open for convenient shopping.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

persimmons from Lee's One Fortune Farm

Are you a handmade gift-giver? Farmers tailgate markets are a great place to get inspiration and ingredients for these extra-special holiday gifts (or treats to keep for yourself—you definitely deserve it). Here are a few DIY ideas to get your started this season.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

The Holiday Bazaar

While some farmers tailgate markets have closed for the season, a growing number in Buncombe County offer special holiday markets or even run through the winter. These markets often have different hours or locations than their regular season counterparts, so check the list below to make sure you know when and where to find local food in December.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

An all-local Thanksgiving dinner is a lofty goal, but probably impractical (and could add some additional stress to the holiday for sure). Some traditional ingredients, like green beans or corn, have passed their peak harvest season here in Western North Carolina, so if you didn’t freeze some back in September, you might be out of luck now. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find local cranberries or pecans. But there are ways to feature something local in each dish, if you’re up for the challenge!

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

butternut squash

For a stress-free Thanksgiving, making a plan and doing as much prep work in advance is the way to go. That means you should start your farmers tailgate market list now, and even get some of the shopping out of the way, rather than wait for the mad rush on the final pre-holiday weekend. (Although if you do find you need to do some last-minute shopping, West Asheville Tailgate Market is open on Tuesday and River Arts District Farmers Market is open on Wednesday the week of Thanksgiving.)

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

roast chicken

As we move into November thoughts turn to holiday feasting, and for many that means a turkey centerpiece. Local turkey is available from several local farms in the region, including Hickory Nut Gap Farm and Dillingham Family Farm, though you will need to order in advance—and act fast! These birds tend to sell out every year. Find a list of farms in the area with local turkeys, and information on how to order them here.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

romanesco

This time of year is all about vibrant displays of winter squash, pumpkins, apples, and other fall superstars at farmers tailgate markets. Late summer’s abundance continues through these chillier days, and most vendors are loaded up with dark leafy greens like collards, chard, and kale; root veggies like beets, carrots, and turnips; and tubers like sweet potatoes and potatoes. But there are also a few less-common items we’ve spotted over the past few weeks that deserve to be sought out as well. 

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Halloween is next week, and you might want to focus your farmers tailgate market shopping on plenty of fresh produce and proteins to counteract the inevitable sugar overload. You’ll find autumnal favorites like winter squash and pumpkins, apples, sweet potatoes, ginger, and much more. Want a meal that stays on (gruesome) message? May we suggest the feetloaf.

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