Area farmers tailgate markets will begin to open outdoors this week! The list includes Asheville City Market’s new location on North Market Street in the heart of downtown Asheville. Here are the markets that will open Saturday, April 1:
Asheville
Asheville City Market: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Outside of Asheville
Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Lenoir Downtown Farmers Market: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Henderson County Tailgate Market: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Transylvania Farmers’ Market: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Jackson County Farmers Market: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
What can you expect from these first outdoor markets in April?
An opportunity to catch up with farmers you haven’t seen since November. But not all of them — some vendors choose to start attending markets in May, or even June, when they’ll have a larger selection of goods to offer.
Plant starts. Farmers offer these during the early months of outdoor markets to generate income at the start of the season, before they’re able to harvest fully grown food. If you don’t have land or a garden plot, you can always grow some food on your windowsills or in pots on a porch or door steps. Also, plant starts that produce edible foods can be purchased using SNAP/EBT!
Sugar snap peas and pea shoots are lovely for spring snacking! Dip them into hummus, cut them up with cheese, or add ‘em to salads.
Strawberries and asparagus are two of the most anticipated and sought-after produce items at the onset of the market season. When exactly they appear depends on the weather and the year, but keep your eyes out for these goodies!
You’ll also be able to find most of what’s been available all winter, such as storage crops from last year’s harvest (including apples); fresh produce like herbs and greens; as well as meats, breads, cheeses, eggs, baked goods, pickled goods, and more.
Outdoor markets start opening in April. Visit ASAP’s list of dates to mark your calendar for when the markets near you get going!
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.