Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Vegetables at market aren’t just good for making meals — they’re also great for snacking. Stop by farm vendors at area farmers tailgate markets to discover your new favorite mid-afternoon bites.
Beans are a great snack food that packs protein. Haricot Verts, and similar varieties, make for a crisp snack, eaten raw. Other beans, such as Greasy beans, edamame, and others are a great snack once they’re cooked, which need not take long. Boil them in saltwater for five to ten minutes (depending on the texture you want). Drain them, and then add a little butter or drizzle of oil, a little more salt, and you have a perfect quick snack! They’re great cold, too. So you can cook them the night before, and eat them on-the-go the next day. Stop by Dreamy Bean Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market, Asheville City Market) to learn more and pick up the beans of your dreams.
Mexican Sour Gherkins (aka tiny cucumbers) are a great snack ready-to-go snack! They’re bite-sized and wonderful for crunching down on between meals. Sleight Family Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market, Asheville City Market) has these gems now.
Watermelons and other melon varieties have made their debut! A quintessential summer treat, melons can be a great thirst-quenching snack in the middle of a hot afternoon. Visit Paper Crane Farm (Asheville City Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market), Ten Mile Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville City Market) and other farms and markets to find melons.
Orchard fruits are always a classic snack to fall back on. Right now, McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market) have asian pears, as well as plums, doughnut peaches, white and yellow peaches, blackberries, and early apples.
Each week farmers have a wide array of fruits and vegetables. In addition to produce, you can always find a range of meats, cheeses, eggs, breads, baked goods, value added items, 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.