Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Now that you’ve had a few weeks to fill up on asparagus and strawberries, a few other new produce items are here to provide more variety at May markets.

Early alliums are popping up, including scapes, which you can find from Highgate Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market, Black Mountain Tailgate Market) and green garlic from Olivette Farm (Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market – South). Green garlic is baby garlic taken straight from the ground, without the curing process normally seen with garlic. It has a more subtle flavor than mature, cured garlic, but still adds a crisp, springtime garlic flavor to dishes!

Flying Cloud Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville City Market) brought a few of their first heads of broccoli to markets this past Saturday! Broccoli has two seasons — spring and fall — and will only be around for a few weeks each time, so grab it up while it’s here!

Some farms are bringing overwintered root vegetables to market, but they have a limited supply from last year’s harvest, so grab ’em when you see ‘em. Examples from the past few weeks include beets from Lamb’s Creek Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market) and Olivette Farm (Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market – South), carrots from Paper Crane Farm (Asheville City Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market), and sweet potatoes from Highgate Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market).

More farms are adding duck eggs to their goods, including new market vendors Good Wheel Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market), and Locally Good Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market). Duck eggs are larger, thicker, and richer than chicken eggs, so expect to pay a little more. Given these qualities, it’s best not to substitute duck eggs 1:1 for chicken eggs in recipes, but they’re absolutely delicious fried, hard-boiled, and cooked just about any way!

The Oakley Farmers Market just recently announced that they’re moving to Highland Brewing Company’s outdoor space! Visit them Thursdays, 3:30–6:30.

What else can you find at early spring tailgate markets? As far as produce, you’ll find a wide range of greens. Depending on the market and the farm, you’re also likely to spot asparagus, rhubarb, turnips, and radishes. You can always find a range of meats, cheeses, eggs, breads, baked goods, value-added items, plant starts, fresh flowers, and other treats!

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.

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