A hint of fall was in the air this weekend at area farmers tailgate markets. The cooler weather is eagerly welcomed by some and reluctantly witnessed by others. Regardless of your feelings about autumn, it’s an indication of the newly emerging horizon of what’s fresh and available at market!
What says fall more than pumpkins? Some farmers are beginning to bring their first pumpkins to market now, including Free Range Farm at East Asheville Tailgate Market! Pick up some heirloom pumpkins from them to carve or place around your house to decorate your home in the spirit of the season!
September is ASAP’s Get Local pepper month, keep checking the website, as more events and specials are added for the second half of the month. Aji Dulce peppers, known as habanero peppers without the heat, are wonderful and in season now. A relative to habaneros, they have the sweet, smoky, and distinct flavor of habaneros with a mild level of heat. Aardvark Farm has these and more at Asheville City Market and Yancey County Farmers Market.
Exciting and new to market are fresh ginger roots. This ginger, sometimes called baby ginger, is different than what you would buy in the store because it is fresh and not cured. This means it isn’t dried, has no skin, and isn’t stringy. Find fresh ginger roots from Aardvark Farm and McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market – South, and North Asheville Tailgate Market). These farmers also have ginger stems for sale which have a milder flavor and can be used for soups, stocks, and salads.
If you can’t get enough of this flavorful, warming, and medicinal root, try Scottish Spiced Ginger Chevre from Three Graces Dairy at West Asheville Tailgate Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market, Madison County Farmers Market, and many other markets and groceries. Click here to see where else you can find Three Graces!
Now’s a great time to plant fall starts for gardens! Get them from Wildwood Herbal at Asheville City Market and Appalachian Creek Nursery at Black Mountain Tailgate Market.
Have you wondered what the farms are like that you purchase from at tailgate markets? How do they grow all of that kale? And what do their pastures look like? This weekend (September 20 and 21) is your chance to do that on ASAP’s 2014 Farm Tour!
The River Arts District Farmers Market is hosting a Summer Farm to Table Feast on September 24, 7-10 pm. Held at The Junction, this is the first Farm to Table Dinner hosted by the market since their move to the River Arts District! Created by Chef Chad Kelly, the meal will be four courses masterfully prepared from the market’s abundant fresh harvest. For more information, click here.
For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse our online Local Food Guide or online farmers market calendar.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
