Expect a bean bounty at area farmers tailgate markets. For example, nearly every produce vendor at French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market reports they’ll offer them this week. And let us spill the beans: many farmers are offering the veggie in bulk now, as they’re doing with tomatoes, so you can put them up for the winter when they can’t be found locally. Not sure if your farmer is offering a bulk deal? Just ask!
Look for many types, including bush, pole, fresh shell, dry, and soybeans (or edamame). And look for many varieties. Some certainly stand out: Angel Ridge Farm (Oakley Farmers Market, Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market) offers Rattlesnake beans. Rattlesnakes can be enjoyed fresh, shelled, or dry. They have an unusual purple pattern; when shelled the beans are beige, when dry they’re tan with rattlesnake-like streaks. Farm Market Gardens (Asheville City Market) has Dragon’s Tongue beans which are yellow with a bright purple-pink pattern.
But beans aren’t the only produce in abundance. Nearly every variety of tomato and summer squash can still be purchased, so stock up while you can. Stock pantry items like onions and garlic can also be found, as can newcomer fruits and veggies like apples and winter squash. Of course, local honey, eggs, cheeses, meats, and baked goods are plentiful, too.
Also look out for new artisan craft vendors, particularly those offering cozy fall items. Easy Knits of Black Mountain just joined Asheville City Market. Owner Kim Green creates socks with a 120-year-old knitting machine she calls Edgar. “Edgar still works wonderfully,” she says. “He uses no electricity, never needs an upgrade, and can’t catch a virus!”
This Thursday, August 23, at Oakley Farmers Market, Angel Ridge Farm will invite young shoppers to bottle feed a newborn pygmy goat at 4 pm. A young Oakley resident will also lead an herbal tea making demonstration at 4:30, just before storytime at 5.
On Saturday, August 25, Jackson County Farmers Market will host a Taste of Market from 9 am until noon. Vendors will pass out tasty samples and share recipes as a thank you to customers. Local chef Chris Dole will lead a cooking demo from 10 am to noon using products from market vendors.
Also on Saturday, ASAP’s Growing Minds program will host its final free Kids Corner Market (KCM) at Asheville City Market , 9 am-noon. At KCM, Asheville City Schools Foundation will lead children in a food and farm craft activity. Saturday also marks the final Asheville City Market EBT bonus promotion. The first 50 EBT/SNAP customers will receive a $5 bonus market token.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
