Fresh at Farmers Markets

Yes, the calendar does say it’s the middle of winter. But, looking at the fresh produce available at tailgates now, you’d think it was spring or summer here in Western North Carolina!
Asheville City Market South’s indoor winter market (Wednesdays from 2 until 6 pm at Biltmore Park Town Square) continued their grand opening last week with several new—and excited!—first-time participants, two of which brought produce galore. Blue Meadow Farms offered beets, broccoli, and a variety of greens. Jake’s Farm offered greens, too, along with Certified Organic turnips, sweet Cubanelle peppers, and herbs. Both vendors will bring more produce this week. Creasman Farms returned last week and will return again this Wednesday, February 1, with their picked-to-perfection apples. They also make fresh-baked apple pie, apple turnovers, and apple muffins. But if they’re what you’re after, you’ll want to get to market early. Last week, the sweet treats sold out before you could say, “Yum!”

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When life hands you the end of the local tailgate market season, make a delicious holiday meal, homemade applesauce, and more!
Holiday markets have a wide selection of meats that can be the star of your feast. East Fork Farm, for example, offers pasture-raised lamb, chicken, rabbit, and even duck. And despite recent snows, side-worthy produce can be found, too. Vendors like Gaining Ground Farm are still offering fresh broccoli, chard, kale, Brussels sprouts, turnips, and radishes.
Thinking beyond the holiday? Stock up on late-season local apples from vendors like McConnell Farms. They’re perfect for a big batch of homemade applesauce that’ll keep well and remind you of warmer days once winter has fully set in.

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So, you picked up your holiday decorations at area farmers tailgate markets last week. If you didn’t, don’t fret; trees and trimmings still abound! This week, get all the gifts on your list. After all, what present could be better than one that’s locally grown, made, or crafted?
For your favorite local foodie, think artisan meats and cheeses. At the 9th Annual Holiday Bazaar, which kicked off last Saturday at the site of the Montford Farmers Market, follow your nose to the free sausage samples from Foothills Family Farms. In addition to sausage, they’ve got their famous salami, a perfect hors d’oeuvre for your holiday celebrations—especially when paired with local cheese. Keep an eye out for cave-aged cheeses made by Victor Chiarizia and his Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery from the milk of grassfed Jersey cows. You can also find Victor’s cheeses at Asheville City Market, along with his handmade glassware ornaments in both locations.

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The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving can be hectic, with one shopping list after another. Knowing that, vendors at area farmers tailgate markets pledge to help you get through this time with ease—and, of course, lots of local food.
Order dessert this week and check an entire course off your to-do list! Take the Cake! Cupcakes A-Go-Go will have a special holiday menu and ordering form Saturday at Asheville City Market. (Find them select Tuesdays at the West Asheville Tailgate Market, too.) Sweetheart Bakery also plans to offer holiday ordering. Owner Aimee Mostwill will make samples available at her market booths this week/weekend (Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, Montford Farmers Market) and share her contact information. She’ll accept orders by phone or email.

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Soup’s on! Area farmers tailgate markets are bubbling with options for your soup pot this week.
Under the weather? Grab all the ingredients for chicken noodle soup! Markets have lots of onions, garlic, shallots, celery, and carrots now. Look for rainbow colored carrots for extra brightness and color sure to help you feel better. Greens are also abundant. Throw in kale, bok choy, or spinach as vitamin-packed additions. Of course, many vendors offer local chicken. Hominy Valley Farms currently has Poussin, a young, tender French-style bird. Find Hominy Valley at Asheville City Market. And, pick up noodles from pasta vendors selling at Asheville City Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market.

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