Despite what some people may believe, local food does not disappear in December. Area farmers tailgate markets are full of provisions that run the gamut from vegetables to meats, fruits to cheese, bread to eggs, and everything in between. In addition to all the great food, there are even MORE craft vendors than throughout the rest of the year, so that you can do your holiday shopping while you buy your groceries! Here are some highlights of what you might find for your weekly food list and gift ideas, which may even overlap. Check back next week too for more highlights this holiday season.
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
Our local farmers, producers, and crafters prepare creative and beautiful gifts for the holiday season at area farmers tailgate markets. Each week this December, we’ll bring you highlights of what you can find at holiday markets. But, we won’t be able to include anywhere near all of it, so you’ll have to visit the markets yourself to discover everything they have to offer. And, don’t worry — there’s also still plenty of local food available for your regular weekly grocery shopping.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The weekend after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. This year, forgo Black Friday and Cyber Monday and make it Local Saturday at area farmers tailgate markets.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Area farmers tailgate markets have an abundance of appetizing foods to be thankful for, perfect for every component of your Thanksgiving meal. Whether it be a traditional or unconventional dish, local farmers and food artisans have such a wide array of produce, staples, and prepared goods, that you can let your creative culinary side shine. This Thanksgiving, get local!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Sometimes less is more. In this case, that’s less variability from week to week at area farmers tailgate markets this time of year. The consistency in availability allows market shoppers to experience all the fall produce farms have to offer without breaking the bank on one visit to the market.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Sweet, spicy, starchy, surprising… So much variety to be found at area farmers tailgate markets this time of year. Fall is a time of roots, dark greens, and warming flavors. Farming doesn’t end with the summer, even if some of the markets do. Explore the diversity of foods this season and try something new, or find your good ol’ favorites.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
It’s getting spooky! Here’s the Halloween edition of what’s fresh at area farmers tailgate markets:
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Things are cooling down at area farmers tailgate markets. Most area farms experienced frost conditions this past week. Frost can mean trouble for some crops, but for others it is a welcome occurrence — it can sweeten some vegetable varieties, and who doesn’t like their daily dose of vegetables to be sweeter?
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
What’s fresh and exciting this week at area farmers tailgate markets? Cauliflower! Along with its relative, broccoli, cauliflower has two short seasons — one in the spring, and one in the fall. Cauliflower is unique, delicious, and full of nutrition, making it a very special time when it’s at markets.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
With all the dry weather throughout the summer, farmers were hoping for rain, but as the adage goes, “be careful what you wish for.” Farmers have not been affected uniformly by the heavy rains that hit the region last week; each farm has different soil type, elevation/gradient of their fields, microclimate (which affected how much rain they got), and growing practices (raised beds, tunnels, etc). The variation in produce affected by the rain at area farmers tailgate markets this week will vary from farm to farm.