Summer is officially here! Although the season’s full bounty has yet to arrive to area tailgates, produce ambassadors have been dispatched from the fields to tantalize taste buds and tell of what’s to come.
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
Catch the beet at area farmers tailgate markets this week! The root veggie has arrived with the summer and will stick around into fall and early winter.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Shell peas, and snap peas, and snow peas, oh my! All types of peas were available under “one roof” at Black Mountain Tailgate Market this past Saturday. Find them at many other markets around the region now, too.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
It’s beginning to look a lot like summer at area farmers tailgate markets thanks to June’s arrival! This month marks the true start of the local broccoli season, which lasts into July. Markets from Black Mountain Tailgate Market to West Asheville Tailgate Market report vendors are bringing the cruciferous veggie now. B&L Organic (French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market) offers broccoli raab or rabe, also called rapini. The veggie’s buds resemble broccoli, but it’s more closely related to the turnip (also available now); use in pastas and stir-fries.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Craving cool, crisp salads now that the mercury is rising? Area farmers tailgate markets are veritable salad bars these days. At Asheville City Market last weekend, produce vendors’ booths were lined with lettuce of all varieties. Oakley Farmers Market’s produce vendors report they’re bringing red leaf and romaine lettuces this week.
*Recipe Added!* Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Strawberries sold in a snap last week, but don’t worry if you didn’t go home with any. Berries are back again at area farmers tailgate markets! What’s more, they’re super sweet now. With the drenching rains mostly behind us, the sun has gone to work bringing out the berries’ sugars. Speaking of sweet, Mackey Farms (Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market) offered up strawberry ice cream last week, so be on the lookout.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Noticing that markets don’t look the same as they did this time last May? It’s true. Warm weather accelerated the harvest last year, while a cooler spring and recent heavy rains are delaying things a bit now. But rest assured, more produce is coming—more options and larger quantities!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The bad news: It’s the end of the short ramps season—grab ’em if you see ’em. The good news: The spring harvest is just heating up, and ramps are pretty much the only produce you’ll have to say goodbye to for a while at area farmers tailgate markets! This week, say hello to all manner of fruits and veggies: lettuce, spinach, strawberries, and the list goes on.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Adore asparagus? Then get thee to a farmers tailgate market this week and weekend! Although stalks have been trickling in for a bit, markets are moving toward asparagus abundance thanks to vendors like McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market South, North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market).
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Their hue has been called “passionate scarlet” by one famous food writer. Yep, we’re talking about radishes! Bold beauties have already been spotted from vendors like New Moon Herbs Farm and Earthlife Farm at Asheville City Market Downtown.