Rice is not commonly grown in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. While we don’t have expansive rice paddies filling the mountain valleys, local farmers are pioneering rice production in our region. This week, farms brought the first of their season’s rice harvest to area farmers tailgate 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
It has been a light year for honey, according to apiaries at area farmers tailgate markets. Honey has always been a special, prized treat in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, but on a year such as this — drought-like conditions scattered throughout the growing season — it is even more dear.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The times, they are a changin’ at area farmers tailgate markets. Some summer varieties won’t be around for much longer, and you should get them while you still can. Fall produce varieties are just now arriving, and we can look forward to them in the coming weeks.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The very first sweet potatoes have been reported at area farmers tailgate markets. Sweet potatoes are beloved for their flavor and versatility — great in both savory dishes, such as sweet potato au gratin, and sweet dishes, like pies.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
There’s only one month left of summer and it’s starting to show at area farmers tailgate markets. Limited, late summer raspberries are peeking through the abundance of other more prolific produce, fall/winter varieties are starting to appear, and the air in the earliest hours of morning markets is starting to feel increasingly autumn-esque.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
What’s fresh at area farmers tailgate markets this week? With such a diverse and abundant array of produce at markets, it’s hard to include them all! Among vendors’ tables are summer squash, cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes, onions, garlic, okra, tomatoes, peppers, breads, cheeses, artisan products, mushrooms, melons, meats, and more.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Every month, ASAP has been featuring one seasonal, local item as part of its “Get Local” campaign. August is tomato month, and, boy, is that true at area farmers tailgate markets. There are so many fantastic and flavorful varieties! There are innumerable ways to eat tomatoes, but here’s a couple of pretty exciting ideas that you may not have considered:
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Going to area farmers tailgate markets is more than just “going shopping.” The market can be an event — wonderful music, catching up with old friends, and connecting with folks that grow our food — a festive way to celebrate life, food, and our vibrant communities.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Round things abound at area farmers tailgate markets. So many fruits and vegetables are rolling into season and onto vendors’ stands.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Each and every week, area farmers tailgate markets have newly in-season vegetables and fruits to boast — there are almost too many to name here! What’s on the roster of just-arrived produce? Corn, okra, celery, and watermelons, to name but a few!