What’s fresh at area farmers tailgate markets this week? With such a diverse and abundant array of produce at markets, it’s hard to include them all! Among vendors’ tables are summer squash, cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes, onions, garlic, okra, tomatoes, peppers, breads, cheeses, artisan products, mushrooms, melons, meats, and more.
Here are other products to look for at markets:
Greasy beans, specific to the Southern Appalachian mountains, are not found very much elsewhere in the country. Ron, of Bee Tree Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market, Madison County Farmers Market) has greasy beans harvested now. Traditionally, they’re cooked with bacon grease, but that’s not why they have their name — they’re smoother and shinier than other beans, giving them a “greasy” appearance. They have a wonderfully distinct and delicious flavor, no matter what oil you cook them in!
Butter from Mills River Creamery is available from Joe of Brittain Farms (West Asheville Tailgate Market, Mills River Farmers Market). Produced here in Western North Carolina on a multi-generation family dairy farm, this cultured butter is sure to please.
Nectarines are actually the same species of fruit as peaches, just with a recessive gene expression that makes the skin smooth instead of fuzzy! Creasman Farms (Asheville City Market, River Arts District Farmers Market) has some wonderful nectarines in both white and yellow varieties!
Last weekend was Tomatofest at Yancey County Farmers Market. Lori Osada of Milo Acres, won the tomato tasting for her entry “Mr. Stripey.” Second place was a tie between Lori’s Yellow Cherry tomato and Kathryn Skelley-Watts’ (Aardvark Farm) Wild Boar tomato. Find Milo Acres at Yancey County Farmers Market, as well as French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market, and Aardvark Farm at River Arts District Farmers Market and Asheville City Market, in addition to Yancey County Farmers Market.
Oakley Farmers Market announced that it is closing early for the season at the end of this month (August). Be sure to visit the farms vending there before they close.
For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse ASAP’s online Local Food Guide or the online farmers market calendar.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
