What does comfort food mean to you? Is it indulgent, like macaroni and cheese or ice cream? Or is it healthy and wholesome, perhaps chicken soup? Or nostalgic, a family recipe you ate throughout childhood? No matter which, area farmers tailgate markets have the locally grown ingredients for all your comfort food needs.
Rice, a comfort food for many cultures around the world, is available now from Lee’s One Fortune Farm (Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market-South, East Asheville Tailgate Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market). Their rice is incredibly aromatic and flavorful, and if you didn’t consider rice one of your comfort foods, you might once you try some of theirs.
Collard greens, a Southern comfort food for the body and soul, is finally at farmers markets after being gone all summer. (Collards are more comfortable in the spring and fall, than in the summer heat.) Find these from Full Sun Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market and River Arts District Farmers Market), as well as other farmers as we progress further into fall.
Ginger, a warming and nourishing root, is available from Aardvark Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market and Asheville City Market) along with turmeric, too. Fresh ginger is great for making into teas, and adding flavor to sauces, stews, soups, and more.
If ginger inspires you to make some soup, area farmers have bones and meats perfect for stocks and broths. For chicken-based stocks and broths, find parts from East Fork Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market) and whole birds from Fiddler’s Green Farm (Asheville City 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.