The past week has been a turning point for produce farmers this season; it feels like everything has come in at once! There’s still more produce to trickle in over the rest of June and through July, but this week sure was packed. What are some of the new things you can find this week?
McConnell Farms brought the first blackberries to market. Find them at Asheville City Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market, and North Asheville Tailgate Market. Blueberries perfect for pies, or just a bowl of berries and vanilla ice cream, are now in season. Find them from farms such as Full Sun Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market and River Arts District Farmers Market).
Get your garden egg recipes ready, because Thatchmore Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market) brought the first eggplant of the season. (Garden egg is a name for eggplant in other parts of the world).
Ten Mile Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market and Asheville City Market) has shishitos now. These peppers are perfect for pan frying with a little oil and salt until they soften and blacken slightly. They’re a great side dish for a light summer dinner.
Roman and Haricot Vert beans made their debut from Lee’s One Fortune Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market, Asheville City Market, and East Asheville Tailgate Market). Saute, boil, or steam these beans and add butter and salt after for an easy addition of protein to any meal.
Celery can now be found from Fiddler’s Green (Asheville City Market) as well as early potatoes from a number of farmers. What else can this mean but potato salad?
Aardvark Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market and Asheville City Market) has been bringing edible flowers to markets these past two weeks. Not only are they beautiful to look at they’re wonderful to eat! Add them to salads to wow your dinner guests.
We’re not yet in the height of tomato season, but there are tomatoes making their way to markets. Before the hearty heirlooms get here, try using these earlier tomatoes to make cucumber and tomato salad. It’s a wonderful light, crisp summer dish, especially with fresh herbs added!
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.