Trees are blooming and budding, farms are transplanting seedlings, and outdoor farmers tailgate markets are here!
The past week’s market openings have been festive. Media outlets throughout Asheville celebrated the opening of the season as market-goers excitedly browsed and mingled with fellow shoppers, farmers, and other vendors. Below are the next week’s market openings, which will continue to be full of the fresh spring energy and unique flair of each market:
Asheville-area:
West Asheville Tailgate Market: April 4, Tuesdays 3:30–6:30 pm
Asheville City Market – South: April 5, Wednesdays 12:00–4:00 pm
Throughout WNC:
‘Whee Market: April 4, Tuesdays 4:00–7:00 pm
Columbus Tailgate Market: April 8, Saturdays 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Rutherford County Farmers Market: April 15, Saturdays 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market: April 15, Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Ashe County Farmers Market: April 15, Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:00 am–1:00 pm
At Asheville City Market and the North Asheville Tailgate Market, McConnell Farms had rhubarb. The tart and sweet vegetable is known for its role in spring-themed sweet treats such as pies, tarts, crumbles, crisps, turnovers, and rhubarb custard bars — the list is endless!
But what about savory recipes for rhubarb? After all, it is technically a vegetable and not a fruit. Some ideas to try: use rhubarb to make sauces like chutney (recommended for eating with cheese and bread — which you can also pick up from market vendors), BBQ sauce, or salsa. Another possibility is adding rhubarb to braised meat dishes.
Three Graces Dairy (Asheville City Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market, and North Asheville Tailgate Market) have their region-famous ramp goat cheese for the spring. This seasonal goat cheese, made with wild leeks, is a market favorite not to be missed!
What else can you find? Greens, greens, and greens! Carrots, radishes, pea shoots, microgreens, plant starts, herbs, and other savory produce are also available. You can always find meats, cheeses, eggs, breads, baked goods, fresh flowers, and other treats!
Outdoor markets open throughout the months of April and May. 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.