Halloween is coming up fast, and though produce typically does not fit into the holiday’s emphasis on candy, area farmers markets still have wares to contribute to your festivities!
Caramel apples are a popular Halloween treat, and you can make them using locally-grown fruit and sweets. Local honey makes a great base for homemade caramel. McConnell Farms has local honey available (North Asheville Tailgate Market, Asheville City Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market). Or, pick-up already made (and, delicious!) carmelita from Looking Glass Creamery at Black Mountain Tailgate Market. This will be their last week at market, so get it while you still can! Grab apples from Creasman Farms (River Arts District Farmers Market, Black Mountain Tailgate Market, Asheville City Market), B and L Organics (North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market), as well as McConnell Farms. Then, melt the caramel, dip the apples, and let cool.
Another market find that’s fitting for Halloween? Candied ginger, but you have to do the candying yourself. Feeling up for it? Purchase fresh baby ginger from Aardvark Farm (Asheville City Market, Yancey County Farmers Market, and River Arts District Farmers Market) or A Way of Life Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market). Candying involves boiling ginger with sugar, until evaporation begins, followed by cooling the finished candied product on a rack. It requires diligence, but can be done without much prior experience.
If making sweet treats from scratch feels like too much, markets still have you covered. Find scrumptious, already made baked goods from Sweetheart Bakery and Farm & Sparrow Bakery — both at River Arts District Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, and Asheville City Market, and Misty Mountain Bake Shoppe at West Asheville Tailgate Market. If you or your guests are gluten-free, or vegan, visit Eat More Bakery at Asheville City Market.
Some markets around the region have begun to close, while others are getting ready to switch locations or hours for the holiday season. To find out about markets near you, visit 2016 Tailgate Market Closing, Holiday, & Winter Dates.
Both West Asheville Tailgate Market and River Arts District Farmers Market have upcoming market dinners: RAD Farmers Market will host their “Harvest Dinner,” November 7, at All Souls Pizza. WATM’s “Caribbean Soul Food Fusion” with Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Seasoned 2 The Bone will be on November 13 at Gypsy Queen Cuisine’s Patton location.
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
