This week at area farmers tailgate markets the vendor stands are full of color, mirroring the trees and mountains this time of year. Greens, reds, oranges and yellows are abundant in the peppers, winter squash, cabbage, potatoes, and more! There are even splashes of purple in kale, carrots, potatoes and rutabaga.
Gaining Ground Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville City Market, and North Asheville Tailgate Market) has gorgeous collections of what they call, “root bouquets,” a variety of root vegetables bunched together, including multi-colored carrots, beets, and rutabaga. A splendid array of colors and shapes, it looks like an upside-down and edible bouquet of flowers.
Just like the green leaves left on the trees, we are seeing the last weeks of fresh, outdoor grown herbs. Get them while you still can: Long Valley Eco-Biotic Farm (Madison County Farmers Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market, and Weaverville Tailgate Market) has mint and parsley and Flying Cloud Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville City Market, and North Asheville Tailgate Market) has dill and cilantro.
A unique find this week at market are Scuppernong grapes from Bee Tree Farm (French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market, Madison County Farmers Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market). A variety of muscadine grapes, and a native species to Eastern North Carolina, Scuppernongs have a thick skin, but are prized for their flavor. For those daunted by the scuppernong, markets have more familiar seedless table grape from McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market South).
Oakley Farmers Market Harvest Festival is THIS Thursday, October 16th from 3:30 to 6:30. According to Oakley Farmers Market, “the dinner, and the event as a whole, is a service to the community and a way to say thank you to our vendors, customers and neighbors.” There will be a delicious dinner (suggested donation) that includes BBQ pulled chicken latkes with cajun coleslaw, sweet potato mac ‘n cheese and more! In addition to the food, there will also be raffle prizes and live music! Be sure to come out to support the market and celebrate the season!
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
