As we turn the seasonal page into August, peppers of nearly endless varieties are taking their stride for the next couple of months. Head to one of the many farmers markets in Buncombe County and find all your favorites like sweet bell peppers, jalapenos, wax peppers and even types of peppers you may have never tried before!
As one of the oldest domesticated crops, peppers suit delicious dishes from around the world. Their sweet and sometimes spicy flavors speak for themselves. One way to bring out their flavor is to fire-roast them over a grill (or in the oven if you do not have a grill). To make a roasted-red pepper dip, coat four large sweet red peppers in oil (the carmen variety is perfect for this dip) and roast them on a grill, or broil them in the oven on a sheet pan to catch any pepper juices, rotating as they become charred. Remove the peppers from the heat and place them in a covered bowl to cool, making it easier to peel their skins off. Once the skin is peeled, remove the seeds and tops and place them in a blender with ¼ cup of toasted walnuts, two cloves of minced garlic, a tablespoon of olive oil, a splash of lemon juice to taste, salt and pepper. Too busy to roast your peppers? Find fire-roasted sweet Italian and spicy Anaheim (like Hatch chiles), along with many fresh varieties from Sleight Family Farm at the North Asheville Tailgate Market. Serve your roasted red pepper dip with pita chips, spread it on a sandwich, or pair it with last week’s baba ganoush recipe and sliced veggies.
Want to make your own smokey hot sauce? Pick out a pound of your favorite mix of hot peppers – jalapenos, serranos, cayenne, and habaneros are classic go-tos. Include a sweet pepper or two to increase flavor depth. Using gloves, cut the peppers in half, removing their stems and as much seeds as is preferred for spice level. Place them on a sheet pan and broil them in the oven, flipping them when they begin to char (about 5-10 minutes on each side). Remove them from the oven and let them cool. Remove skins from the thicker skinned peppers, then place them all in a blender with a cup of vinegar, a tablespoon of salt, and juice from half of a lime. Blend until smooth and liquefied. Leave as is or strain for a thinner sauce. Transfer to glass jars or bottles and store any excess in the freezer.
Find sweet and hot peppers from Flying Cloud Farm (River Arts District and North Asheville markets), Gaining Ground Farm (River Arts District and North Asheville markets), Lee’s One Fortune Farm (West Asheville, River Arts District, East Asheville, Black Mountain, and Asheville City markets), Stump Farms (Asheville City Market), Highgate Farm (West Asheville and Asheville City markets), Windy Hollow Farm (Weaverville Tailgate Market) and Southside Community Farm.
Also spotted at markets in recent weeks: tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, okra, beets, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, kohlrabi, green beans, kale, chard, mushrooms, eggplant, okra, potatoes, onions, scallions, peaches, plums, nectarines, blueberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn, and fresh herbs. Markets offer an abundance of farm-fresh eggs and meats, including chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. You can also get bread, cheese, pastries, fermented products, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region, including hours and location, in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.