This week marks the first transitions from indoor winter markets to outdoor spring markets. What can you expect to find in the early weeks of spring at these first outdoor markets throughout the region?
Flowers. Encapsulating spring, flowers are a great way to bring beauty from the farm into your home. Bouquets are vibrant and delightful for decorating a kitchen table or countertop. Buying flowers from vegetable farmers is also a great way to support those farmers when their vegetables are just starting to grow and not yet ready to bring to market and sell.
Plant starts. Buying plant starts from farmers is a great way to support their farm businesses and also grow your own food. Don’t want to build a raised bed or have a large garden? You can still just grow a few small vegetable plants in pots for your porch. Some that would do well growing in that environment are herbs, tomatoes, salad greens, peppers, and perhaps even a smaller variety of okra.
Microgreens, pea shoots, and tender salad greens. Spring salads are fresh, flavorful, and fun! There are a number of tender young greens at markets such as microgreens, pea shoots, and baby salad greens. Perhaps try making your own dressing from market ingredients: use the brine from fermented vegetables instead of vinegar, add pepper sauces available from some farmers, and chop fresh spring onions and spring garlic to add in, too.
North Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market open outside for the spring tomorrow! Other markets open outside soon including West Asheville Tailgate Market on Tuesday and Asheville City Market – South, is already open on Wednesdays. Check out the full list of market opening dates across the region.
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.