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.
Still trying to figure out what to cook friends and family for Thanksgiving this year? Try putting a spin on ordinary Thanksgiving sides with local produce from farmers tailgate markets! Despite some below freezing temperatures last week, there are still plenty of fresh vegetables at markets to use in your holiday cooking. This grain-free veggie … Read more
Turmeric has long been used in cooking for its many health benefits, unique flavor, and rich color. If you’re not used to cooking with fresh turmeric, whether you buy the ground spice at grocery stores, or don’t use turmeric in cooking at all, now is the time to start! You can find fresh turmeric from … Read more
Now that Halloween is behind us, it’s time to start planning some holiday recipes! Try mixing up your Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts this year with new ideas for local carrots, persimmons, and apples! Farmers markets are stocked with a colorful assortment of carrots this week! Gajar ka Halwa, or carrot pudding, is a popular Indian … Read more
This weekend is your last chance to find a local jack-o-lantern or other decorative squash for Halloween! Farmers tailgate markets have plenty of pumpkins, as well as other winter squash varieties like kabocha, butternut, acorn, and jester squash to adorn your home with spooky decor for this weekend’s holiday. You can find winter squash from … Read more
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 and peppers will be seeing their last week at markets, you can find a plethora of winter greens, beets, head lettuce, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, … Read more
Apple season is at its peak in Western North Carolina, and farmers markets are overflowing with a wide variety of the fruit to choose from! Whether you’re looking for apple varieties on the sweeter side like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisps, or something a little more sour and tart, such as Granny Smith and Pink Lady, … Read more
While sweet potatoes are typically available year round, we’re starting to see more vendors bring the root crop to markets as we make our way into fall! The mild, sweet flavor of this vegetable pairs wonderfully with autumnal warming spices like ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, making it a perfect seasonal comfort food. You can … Read more
We officially entered fall last week, 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, pumpkins, ginger, winter squash and more. Pumpkin is a fall essential … Read more
Locally grown rice from Lee’s One Fortune Farm has arrived at markets this week! While rice is not commonly grown in Southern Appalachia, and generally grown in few areas of the United States, the Lees’ use of nearby streams to irrigate their rice paddies creates the submerged conditions needed to grow their rice. Red rice … Read more
The arrival of earlier sunsets, cooler mornings, and early fall produce at farmers markets all signify the official beginning of fall this coming week! At markets you’ll find many fall staples including sweet potatoes, winter squashes, apples, onions, and more! While we’re excited about the return of some of our favorite fruits and vegetables, it … Read more