Fresh at Farmers Markets This week

Visiting area farmers tailgate markets can often be a delightful adventure! Each and every week there are discoveries to be made: seasonal produce newly available for the first time this year and unknown, obscure varieties; exquisite beauty to appreciate in vibrant flowers and handmade crafts. Produce, too can be an aesthetic wonder as well as an edible one. Markets are also places full of familiarities: the faithful vendors there every week throughout the seasons; the friendly faces of fellow community members; and the staples that nourish bodies and souls alike, such as bread and eggs.
Keep your eye out for sugar snap peas (from farms such as Thatchmore Farm at West Asheville Tailgate Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market, and Meadow Cove Farm at West Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market) and fresh spring garlic, expected to arrive at markets within the next couple of weeks from farms like Bee Log Farm and Nursery at Yancey County Farmers Market.
Asheville Wild Foods Market (West Asheville Tailgate Market, River Arts District Farmers Market) has some particularly exciting items. They wild harvest their source ingredients and make them into delicious products such as ramps salt and wild green smoothie powder!
As has been the case for a couple of weeks now, you can get strawberries, rhubarb, asparagus, and a variety of greens. Also, try nettles, a local, traditional spring green from farms such as Jake’s Farm (Asheville City Market) and John’s Berry Patch (West Asheville Tailgate Market).
Oakley Farmers Market opened recently, and will continue to be open every Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. East Asheville Tailgate Market opens Friday, May 15 from 3 to 6 pm. Black Mountain Tailgate Market also opened recently, and you can visit it on Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm.
For more information about spring opening dates for farmers tailgate markets in our region, visit our full list of market opening dates. For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse our online Local Food Guide or online farmers market calendar.