Cruciferous vegetables, also known as brassicas, are autumnal superstars. Broccoli, cauliflower, romanesco, cabbage, kohlrabi, and other varieties are just now beginning to come into full swing. Broccoli is back and other brassica are on their way!
What’s the difference between cruciferous and brassica vegetables? There isn’t any. They’re interchangeable names for the same family of plants. Brassica is part of the Latin name for the family, and cruciferous refers to the four leaf arrangement on some plants in the family.
Broccoli (and its companion, cauliflower) are around in spring, disappear in summer, and return with fanfare in the fall. Find the first broccoli now from Aardvark Farm (Asheville City Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, and Yancey County Farmers Market) and Paper Crane Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market). Other farms throughout the region will have broccoli, as well as cauliflower, in the coming weeks.
Napa cabbage is in its prime, now through early to mid-November. Napa cabbage is the traditional variety used for kimchi, so now is the perfect kimchi-making time of year. You can find napa cabbage from farmers throughout the region, including a purple variety from Ten Mile Farm (Asheville City Market and River Arts District Farmers Market).
October marks the beginning of market closing season. Oakley Farmers Market and East Asheville Tailgate Market both had their last markets of the season at the end of September. Check your favorite markets’ listings in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide, as well as their social media pages, to find out when their seasons end.
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.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
