When thinking about the colors of autumn, it is typical to think of fall foliage. But, the fall produce at area farmers tailgate markets is a splendid array of tints and hues that should not be passed by!
At the supermarket, it is likely that you have only seen cauliflower that is white. At farmers markets, however, you can find it in yellow, green, and even purple! Cauliflower’s cousin, the transfixing romanesco with its fractal spires, is also brilliantly colored: a beautiful chartreuse green. Cauliflower and romanesco both have very short seasons, so get em’ while they’re here from Paper Crane Farm (Asheville City Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market) and Ten Mile Farm (Asheville City Market).
Purple sweet potatoes are surprisingly spectacular in their color, quite literally. On the outside they take on a dull, earthy purple. But cut them open and see the bright deep purple within. Find them from Gaining Ground Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, and Asheville City Market).
Chicken of the woods mushrooms shine bright yellow in the sun. Visit Asheville Fungi at West Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market to grab some of the meaty mushrooms, perfect for substituting in vegetarian stews.
Vibrant orange carrots and golden beets uplift us with their beauty, but ground us with their earthy, sweet flavors. It’s a great time of year to roast these roots, so grab them from most produce vendors at markets, including Blue Meadow Farms (Black Mountain Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market, and Asheville City Market), and Full Sun Farms (River Arts District Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market).
Parsnips are comparatively colorless, but what they lack in color, they make up for in taste. Parsnips are to carrots as sweet potatoes are to potatoes; they have a more rich, complex flavor than carrots, but are similar to them in their shape and texture, as well as in their balance of sweet and savory. Aardvark Farm (Yancey County Farmers Market, Asheville City Market, and River Arts District Farmers Market) has parsnips available now.
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
