Sometimes less is more. In this case, that’s less variability from week to week at area farmers tailgate markets this time of year. The consistency in availability allows market shoppers to experience all the fall produce farms have to offer without breaking the bank on one visit to the market.
Brassicas rule the market right now, including kohlrabi, broccoli, cauliflower (white, green, yellow, AND purple varieties!), Brussels sprouts, and Romanesco. Romanesco have beautiful fractal heads that are relatives of cauliflower and broccoli. They’re stunning to look it, and taste delicious. Find Romanesco from Ten Mile Farm (Asheville City Market and River Arts District Farmers Market), among other farmers, as well. Paper Crane Farm has storage kohlrabi that are bigger than any other you’ve seen! Visit them at West Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market.
Greens are available all year long, but that doesn’t discredit their wonderfulness in any way. Right now, some farms are selling pre-bagged salad mixes, which include sweet baby lettuces and spicy greens making a perfectly balanced bowl of salad. Try Second Spring Market Garden’s mix from French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market or Asheville City Market, as well as Ten Mile Farm’s mix, just to name a couple.
Looking to add even more flavor to your dishes? Alliums abound in autumn, among them: leeks, scallions, onions, and garlic. There are a number of herbs and spices to be found as well, such as lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric. Most produce farmers have one or more alliums available. Blue Meadow Farms (Asheville City Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market) often have lemongrass, while ginger and turmeric can be found from New Moon Herbs Farm (Asheville City Market) and A Way of Life Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market).
In the mood for traditional hearty fall options? This is where root veggies and winter squash shine. Multicolored carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, potatoes, turnips, radishes, and rutabaga make for warming and grounding dishes through the chillier days. Winter squashes like delicata, acorn, and butternut can add a sweet component to any feast, and are also great for making desserts.
But, don’t forget all of the non-produce staples at market! Eggs, meats, cheeses, breads, baked goods, pickles, and more make markets even more plentiful, scrumptious, and diverse.
Many markets are either closing for the season this month, or transitioning to new locations and/or hours. Check our list of market closing dates, or the individual market’s listing in our online Local Food Guide.
For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse our online Local Food Guide or the online farmers market calendar.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
