Outdoor farmers tailgate markets are finally here! The following Buncombe County tailgate markets will open this week: Asheville City Market (April 2), Leicester Farmers Market (April 2), North Asheville Tailgate Market (April 2), and West Asheville Tailgate Market (April 5). See the full list of tailgate market opening dates across Western North Carolina.
What can you find at the opening of outdoor markets? All sorts of goodies including greens, cheeses, local meats, pickles, jams, bread, eggs, honey, savory and sweet treats, and handcrafted artisan items.
The variety of fresh produce will be very similar to what has been available at the indoor winter markets: greens, microgreens, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, radishes, turnips, beets, and more.
Plus, asparagus! Asparagus will be at market through April. It’s the first new vegetable after winter to arrive — a sure sign of the new growing season! Perfect for throwing on the grill, or sauteing in a pan; just add a touch of salt and pepper, or a clove of garlic. Find asparagus from McConnell Farms at Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market.
Creasman Farms said that they won’t be bringing apples to the market until the next apple harvest. But thankfully, strawberries and rhubarb will be here before you know it!
If you want more variety in the produce, try pickled and dried veggies, such as dried red pepper flakes from Fiddler’s Green Farm (Asheville City Market), dried shiitakes from Meadow Cove Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market), pickles from Green River Picklers (Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market), and sauces from Bee Tree Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market).
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. Check out the “2016 Tailgate Market Opening Dates” to find out when markets are opening up near you. As always, you can find information about which farm stands are open and other farms to visit in the winter months by visiting our online Local Food Guide.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
