It always feels strange to write about winter squash in August, but each year the first of these beauties appear at area farmers markets mid-summer.
Maybe you’re ready for summer to be over and so roasting some squash will make you feel like it’s fall already. Or, maybe you like the juxtaposition of winter squash with summer sun and want to grill some alongside burgers. Whichever your disposition, they’re here and ready for you.
New Roots Market Garden (Asheville City Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market) has Kuri squash and Kabota squash varieties. Root Bottom Farm (West Asheville Tailgate Market) has Delicata squash. And Wildwood Herbal (Asheville City Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market) has Acorn squash.
What are some other new and exciting arrivals at markets? Unique fruits including asian pears, plums, and melons. Find plums and asian pears from Lee’s One Fortune Farm (Asheville City Market – South, East Asheville Tailgate Market, Asheville City Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market). And melons from Ten Mile Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market and Asheville City Market).
Also available now? Yard-long beans from Wildwood Herbal, and Chanterelle mushrooms from Asheville Fungi (West Asheville Tailgate Market).
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.