In our region we have a longer growing season than most other parts of the country. With that said, farmers at area tailgate markets are still employing season extension practices to provide some of our favorite fruits and veggies for as long as possible.
Second Spring Market Garden has greenhouses to allow them to grow for their 52-week CSA and market customers. Right now, they have cucumbers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and sugar snap peas for sale from their greenhouse. Find Second Spring Market Garden at Asheville City Market.
Sunburst Chef & Farmer uses aquaponics systems in greenhouses to grow herbs such as basil beyond its regular growing season. Sunburst Chef & Farmer sell their produce at West Asheville Tailgate Market.
There are also some exciting new items at market that don’t require season extension practices, including fresh, green, garlic. This is different than the cured garlic you typically find in the grocery store or later in the season. It’s best kept refrigerated and won’t last as long as the cured garlic. Fresh garlic and cured garlic also differ in flavor from one another. Fresh garlic has a less sharp flavor that is great for giving a hint of garlic without an overpowering flavor — perfect for accompanying early spring greens. B and L Organics (North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market), Long Valley Eco-Biotic Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market, Madison County Farmers Market and Weaverville Tailgate Market), and Root Bottom Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market) all have fresh garlic now.
Some produce are already at the end of their season: McConnell Farms says there will be just a few more weeks of asparagus, so get it while it lasts. Find them at Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market.
More Asheville-area markets are opening now! River Arts District Farmers Market (May 4), Oakley Farmers Market (May 5), East Asheville Tailgate Market (May 6), and Black Mountain Tailgate Market (May 7) all open this week!
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
