Get berry excited, because berries are here! While only a few markets and vendors have had them up until now, nearly every area tailgate should have berries ripe for the “picking” this week.
Vendors like McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market Downtown and South, North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market) have blackberries. A few black raspberries have been spotted from vendors like Hominy Valley Farms (Asheville City Market, Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market). And Mills River Farmers Market reports Barry Farms is bringing organic raspberries along with blueberries: the big berry story at markets these days. Oakley Farmers Market and Black Mountain Tailgate Market report they’ve got blueberries. North Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market both report several vendors are offering them now, and the list goes on.
But don’t just shop with berries on the brain! A wide variety of fresh herbs are available now, ready to go into marinades for all that summer grilling. Look for choices like dill, parsley, and marjoram. Fennel is arriving, with some spotted recently at Yancey County Farmers Market and from Asheville vendors like Paper Crane Farm (Asheville City Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market) and Gaining Ground Farm (Asheville City Market, Montford Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market). Try lemon basil, spotted from Aardvark Farm (Asheville City Market, Yancey County Farmers Market), for a refreshing summer iced tea. For a flavor-punch to your dishes, also pick up fresh garlic. Garlic is being harvested and brought to markets now; some is also being set aside to cure for later this year.
More cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, squash and other produce items can be found, along with seasonal flowers—both to display and to eat (look for nasturtiums). A few early and greenhouse tomatoes are still around; stay tuned for more soon.
Wednesday, July 3, Weaverville Tailgate Market is hosting a Low Country Boil with shrimp, potatoes, and sausage + grilled corn. The market runs 2:30-6:30 pm.
On Saturday, July 6, Lenoir Downtown Farmers Market continues the July 4th celebration with Dog Day at the market—hot dogs that is. Herbville & Crane Farm will be grilling up slaw dogs, chili dogs, you name it. The market runs 10 am-6 pm.
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
