With the opening of outdoor farmers tailgate markets comes the return of some of your favorite farmers and producers who may have taken a break over the winter season. If you’ve been missing your mushroom fix, Asheville Fungi will be back at Asheville City Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market this week.
Foragers will tell you we’re coming on morel season, but for those of us who’d rather not wander the wilderness in search of the elusive mycological prize, farmers tailgate markets provide a convenient way to gather local mushrooms to add to your meals. Asheville Fungi will have a variety of fresh mushrooms or, if you’re willing to wait, they also offer a range of products and kits that help you fruit and grow your own.
Mushrooms are a perfect pairing for much of the spring products farmers are likely to have at these early-season markets. Combine oyster mushrooms with spring onions or leeks, pea tendrils, goat’s milk feta, and fresh farm eggs in a quiche. Or top a homemade pizza with tiny enoki (or morels, if you’re able to score some), roasted Hakurei turnips, and a funky, bloomy rind cheese. Or snag some snow peas to stir fry with shiitake and serve over rice for an easy weeknight supper.
Asheville City Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market celebrate their grand openings for the season tomorrow (downtown on North Market St. and on the UNCA campus, respectively). Both markets are open 8 a.m. to noon. West Asheville Tailgate Market returns Tuesday at 718 Haywood Rd., from 3:30-6:30 p.m. For a full list of market opening dates across the region, visit the Spring Tailgate Market Opening Dates page on ASAP’s website.
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 at appalachiangrown.org.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
