Western North Carolina is in transition during the month of September. It’s not quite fall yet, and summer is still holding on. Area farmers tailgate markets reflect this acutely in their range of produce that still has vestiges of the heat and long days, with tell-tale veggies of crisp days to come.
There’s about a month until the average first frost date, which means it’s time to think about stocking up on goods that won’t be around much longer. According to both Creasman Farms (River Arts District Farmers Market and Asheville City Market) and McConnell Farms (West Asheville Tailgate Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, and Asheville City Market), peaches will only be around for one or two weeks more. Get ‘em before they’re gone! As peaches leave, more varieties of apples will take their place. Get ready for apple cider, apple pie, crumble, cake, and many other delicious apple treats.
A sure sign of fall’s imminence, fresh, baby ginger has just arrived to markets. Aardvark Farm (Yancey County Farmers Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, and Asheville City Market) has young fresh ginger now, and many more farms will have it soon. Fresh ginger will be around all fall, and there’s more than one variety you can find at markets, so ask your farmers, and try different kinds. Fresh ginger is different than the dried ginger typically purchased from grocery stores. It is great for all of the same applications that you would use dried ginger in, except you may want to experiment with your measurements first. There are some things fresh ginger is far better for, including candied ginger.
Candied ginger is a great snack! Sweet and spicy, it’s a bundle of flavor and pizzazz! Slice fresh ginger and boil until tender. Strain the root and then add it back into the pan with water and sugar. Cook down until it becomes syrupy and dry. Remove from heat, and separate pieces on a cooling rack. Once it cools, store in an airtight container for two to three weeks.
It’s not too early to reserve your Thanksgiving turkey! Birds get reserved quickly, so now is a great time to begin looking for the right one for your friends and family. Ask your farmer at the market if they have holiday turkeys, or search our online Local Food Guide to find farmers raising turkeys.
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
