Shell peas, and snap peas, and snow peas, oh my! All types of peas were available under “one roof” at Black Mountain Tailgate Market this past Saturday. Find them at many other markets around the region now, too.
Just what’s the difference between the types available? Shell peas need to be shelled from tough, inedible pods. Snow peas and snap peas (or sugarsnaps) can both be eaten whole; snow peas have a flat pod, while snap peas have a round, crunchy pod with sweet-tasting peas inside. The local pea season continues through early summer. Also look for a few green beans now, as well as possibly a few fava beans, which look like a larger version of the pea pods mentioned above. Fresh favas have a fleeting season, but they have been spotted from Kay Farm at West Asheville Tailgate Market. Kay Farm vends additionally at Asheville City Market.
Inclement weather canceled last week’s Oakley Farmers Market, so this Thursday, June 13, promises the opportunity to purchase some of the first of the season’s peaches from vendor Whispersholler Farms.
New potatoes are other market newcomers. At Mills River Farmers Market, Misty Mountain Berries & Beans brought baby red skin potatoes last weekend, along with fresh garlic so folks could make their family favorite “Roasted Garlic Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes.” Speaking of taters, look for sweet potato slips for your garden at markets like Jackson County Farmers Market. And, vendors at tailgates around WNC have eggplant, pepper, and tomato plants.
Also look for beautiful beets, baked goods, cheeses, greens and lettuces, kohlrabi, summer squash, meats, and the list goes on. But while shopping this week, don’t forget Dad! In addition to grill-ready foods for a celebratory meal, artisan food vendors and craftspeople will bring perfect Father’s Day gifts to market—from salsas and sauces to handmade coffee mugs.
North Asheville Tailgate Market has a special Father’s Day and Summer Solstice celebration planned for this Saturday, June 15. Also this Saturday, Jackson County Farmers Market will hold a special scavenger hunt for children, sponsored by 4H. Those participating can pick up free seeds courtesy of Sylva Sprouts, a seed lending library, and enter a drawing to win a free book.
To learn more about market events/find a market schedule, visit our farmers market calendar or browse our online Local Food Guide.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
