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.
With temperatures dipping into the thirties this week, it’s time to fully embrace the bounty of hardy, fall produce at farmers markets! While beloved summer crops like tomatoes, okra and peppers will be seeing their last week at markets soon, you can find a plethora of fall and winter veggies like beets, broccoli, kale, arugula, … Read more
Persimmons often get lost in the usual bounty of fall produce (apples, pears, and winter squash), but this underrated autumn fruit deserves a little more recognition in our opinion! A ripe persimmon typically has a sweet flavor that is often described as honey-like, with a similar texture to apricots. This fruit can be more versatile … Read more
Locally grown rice from Lee’s One Fortune Farm has finally returned to markets! This week, look for sweet sticky and red rice from the Lees, with more varieties to come over throughout the season, like purple and brown rice! You can find them at Asheville City, Black Mountain, East Asheville, River Arts District, and West … Read more
We officially entered fall, and what’s a better way to ring in the new season than with delicious seasonal flavors from our local farmers markets? This week, you can welcome the cool temperatures and changing leaves with fall favorites such as apples, winter squash, sweet potatoes, and more! One of the first signs of autumn … Read more
If you haven’t tried a pawpaw yet, now is the chance! This lesser known fruit has a taste most similar to tropicals like mangoes and bananas, but is native to the Eastern United States! The easiest way to enjoy pawpaws is by cutting in half, removing the seeds, then scooping out the flesh to eat … Read more
With the Autumn equinox just a week away, we’ll start to see less of some of our favorite summer produce, and make way for a new fall harvest! While tomatoes, peppers, okra and melons are on their way out of markets, there’s plenty of delicious recipes to preserve these cherished seasonal fruits and veggies. Tomatoes … Read more
Summer is coming to a close, and with fall just a few short weeks away, we’re already starting to see winter squash make its way to markets! This week, look out for butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and honeynut squash! If you can’t wait for all the delicious recipes that come with autumn, try making some … Read more
While it may look like an apple and crunch like an apple, this delicious summer fruit is actually a pear! While your traditional pear offers a bell-like shape and sweet, floral taste, Asian pears have a rounder shape with a milder, refreshing flavor. You can find Asian pears from Lee’s One Fortune Farm (Asheville City, … Read more
Farmers markets are overflowing with bean varieties! This week, look out for green beans, wax beans, long beans, edamame and more! This pickling recipe is perfect for crunchy veggies like green beans, and is a great way to reap the benefits of this summer vegetable after the season is gone! Pack one pound of trimmed … Read more
Melons have finally made their way to farmers market! There’s nothing quite like a cool watermelon or cantaloupe to help beat the heat and stay hydrated in the summer. You can find cantaloupe from Highgate Farm at Black Mountain, River Arts District and West Asheville markets, and both watermelons and cantaloupe from Gibson Berry Farm … Read more