Fixings for summer salads of all kinds, veggies fit for frying, and so much more can be found at area farmers tailgate markets now. July is high time for everything summer, light, delicious salads and scrumptious fried delights are some highlights this week! Not to mention all the fruits, snacking veggies, root veggies, meats, cheeses, breads, baked goods, and more that are just waiting for you to discover!
Summer salads are super satisfying, refreshing, and don’t involve making the house hotter by turning on the oven or stove! Below are some salad suggestions, but they’re certainly not limited to these — create your own wonderful combinations of fresh, raw fruits and veggies!
A slaw is a kind of salad, and you can get festive by adding fennel and carrot along with the cabbage. Make a local dressing for it with ginger and apple cider from McConnell Farms (North Asheville Tailgate Market, Asheville City Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market).
So often we think lettuce must be the base for salads, but that’s not always the case. For example, use diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley to make a Mediterranean salad. Or, combine tomatoes, goat chevre, and basil for a local, non-traditional caprese salad.
And, speaking of basil, pick up larger quantities from Blue Meadow Farms to make pesto! You can then turn your homemade pesto into homemade pesto salad dressing to accompany any and all summer salads!
Southern summer heavyweights, eggplant and okra, have joined the market arena to much excitement! Though not salad ingredients, these delicious veggies are sure to enhance your next meal. Grilled, fried, roasted, or otherwise prepared, eggplant and okra are some of the most delicious veggies to cook with. Stop by Blue Meadow Farms (Asheville City Market, Black Mountain Tailgate Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market) Ten Mile Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market and Asheville City Market) Paper Crane Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market), and others to pick up eggplant and okra.
Padron and shishito peppers are back! Both are mild, tasty, and great for adding to any dish or simply frying up on their own and eating with a squeeze of lemon and a little salt and pepper. Say hello to Greg at New Moon Herbs (Asheville City Market) and ask about these and other peppers he’ll have this summer!
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. Find out where farmers tailgate markets are on which days. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting our online Local Food Guide.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
