Winter markets opened in a blaze of green this past week. Collards, kale, lettuces, microgreens, mustard, and more dominated indoor winter market tables.
The extremely cold temperatures did impact the first market weekend in a few ways: some vendors were unable to attend the market and many of the farmers that did make it had less to offer — it was too cold to harvest root veggies still in the ground, or run the risk of freezing vegetables stored at ideal temperatures. These absences certainly changed the landscape of winter market availability on the first weekend out of the gate.
The YMCA Winter Market was cancelled due to the temperature, as it is being held outdoors this year. It will open this Saturday, instead, 9 am–noon in the parking lot of the Woodfin YMCA.
At Asheville City Market in the Masonic Temple, 9am-noon, downtown, in addition to a plethora of greens, there were also radishes, turnips, dried chiles, apples, fresh herbs, bone broth, cheeses, ferments, cornmeal, bread, bagels, cookies, baked goods, eggs, and meats.
This week, consider exploring a market outside of Asheville. Here are just a few nearby to choose from:
Black Mountain Winter Market, Saturday 11 am–2 pm, inside of the heated pavilion at the intersection of Ridgeway and Sutton in downtown Black Mountain.
Transylvania Farmers Market, Saturday 10 am–noon, outdoors in their regular location: 190 E. Main Street, Brevard.
Jackson County Winter Farmers Market, Saturday 10 am–1 pm, inside The Community Table building, 23 Central Street (across from Poteet Park).
Each week and each area market differ from one another. Just because you may have visited one, does not mean you’ve visited them all.
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
