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.
While we eagerly await some of our favorite spring produce at farmers markets (look out for ramps, strawberries, and more within the coming weeks!), it’s not too late to embrace some of the cold-weather crops we’ve seen at markets this winter, like beets! Beets are a sweet, nutrient-dense, and versatile root vegetable that can be … Read more
This week at markets, make sure to stop by the booth of Lee’s One Fortune Farm for a live demonstration on how to peel fresh bamboo shoots (from the farmers themselves)! Bamboo shoots are the young, edible sprouts of bamboo trees, and are a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes due to their sweet flavor, … Read more
Fresh cut, local flowers are beginning to return to markets, signaling the arrival of spring with their array of beautiful colors! You can find tulips, poppies, ranunculus, anemones, edible flowers, flower seedling starts, and more at markets this week! Look for bouquets and flower products from vendors like Blazing Star Flowers (River Arts District Farmers … Read more
Farmers tailgate markets are getting ready for a new season with a few shifts in operating hours coming up over the next few weeks. Below is a rundown for what to look for at Buncombe County markets, but you can also find opening dates for markets across the region at asapconnections.org/farmersmarkets. At these early spring … Read more
Despite the beginning of spring, we still experienced some chilly (even below freezing) temps this week! Thankfully a warmer climate seems to be on the way, but with the fluctuating temperatures and the arrival of allergy season, our immune systems may take a hit over the next few weeks! Take a little extra care of … Read more
Despite some colder temperatures this week, spring officially begins next week! We’ve been seeing little signs of the changing seasons, from blooming trees to the return of seasonal allergies, but there’s still a few more weeks until farmers tailgate markets open up for their regular season and we see the return of new spring produce! … Read more
After a taste of warmer weather, you may feel somewhat discouraged about the chillier temperatures coming up this week. Embrace the end of the season by using some farm-fresh winter produce this week like radicchio, carrots, ginger, kohlrabi, and more! This carrot ginger soup is an easy, vegan recipe that will help you use that … Read more
Not familiar with Romanesco? No worries! Known for its vibrant green hue and unique, naturally occuring spiral pattern, this vegetable has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that is reminiscent of broccoli and cauliflower. Romanesco can be enjoyed roasted, or sautéed, and can be the perfect way to switch up any of your meals this week. … Read more
While some may consider fennel an acquired taste, the unique flavor and versatile nature of the vegetable gives it a variety of different uses when cooking! Fennel naturally has a licorice-like flavor and crunchy texture similar to celery when enjoyed raw, but when cooked, fennel becomes softer and loses its anise flavor. You can find … Read more
Mushrooms are a year-round staple at most farmers markets. If you find yourself growing tired of winter greens and root crops this time of year, trying a new mushroom variety might be the perfect way to switch up your local shopping! Vendors like The Forest Farmacy and Stump Farms at Asheville City Market and Black … Read more