Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

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.

Of course, markets have trees and wreaths for your final decorative touches. Plus, they have an amazing selection of gifts—from regular market vendors you know and some you may not!
Sam Benbow and his son create eye-catching, custom cutting boards as Benbow & Associates. Or, consider a pillow from Kate’s Cozy Corn Pillows (pictured above). They can be heated in the microwave to keep you or a loved one warm during the chilly months. To make a complete spa-at-home gift package, also pick up handmade artisan soaps, body-care products, and perfumes from marketers such as Faerie Made.
The above-mentioned vendors can be found at the 9th Annual Holiday Bazaar (at the site of the Montford Farmers Market) and Asheville City Market, both of which hold their final markets this Saturday, December 17. Remember, hours are later than normal. Asheville City Market begins at 10 am and the Bazaar at 11 am. The Transylvania Tailgate Market also holds its last tailgate of the season this Saturday. The Historic Marion Tailgate Market and the White Horse Farmers Market will continue a bit longer, until December 20 and 28 respectively. Find locations and more details about these markets HERE.
To fully make the most of the last tailgates, be sure to talk to your farmers. They can share where their items will be for sale through April when markets begin again; many have e-newsletters to keep you updated. They can also chat about their CSA farm subscription programs (CSAs make great gifts!) and how to sign up. ASAP will host their second CSA fair this spring.
Area grocery stores will continue to stock local products in the tailgate off-season, along with select farmers markets like the indoor Jackson County Farmers Market, which continues through the spring, and The Curb Market in Hendersonville, which is open year-round. Just look for the Appalachian Grown logo!
You can stay connected with the local products available this winter, as well as local food and farm events, FromHere. We’d also love for you to share your favorite market memories/moments, from finds to festivities, below!