Summer treks on with its humidity, high temperatures, and sweltering afternoons and what better way to cool down than with a chilled treat from farmers markets. Beyond a diversity of produce, markets are stocked with refreshing treats and ingredients to make your own at home. Whether you’re having trouble getting your kids to eat more fruit, or simply just want a healthy and delicious way to cool down these long and hot summer days, popsicles are the perfect way to use any extra fruit.
Just about any summer fruit will make a great frozen treat, either alone or in combination. We’re thinking about peaches, plums, watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries (before they’re gone!), and blackberries, all of which you’ll find in abundance at markets right now. Simply puree your fruit and pour it into a popsicle mold to freeze—or add a bit of sweetener (local honey is great!) and lemon or lime juice to balance out the flavor.
Straining your puree through a fine mesh sieve gives you a smoother pop. Try leaving some whole chunks or slices of fruit along with the juice/puree, or create colorful layers by freezing different flavors incrementally. Summer herbs like mint, basil, or lemon verbena make great add-ins. Using a base of yogurt or coconut milk with fruit swirled in will give you a creamier result. Soaking chia seeds in milk or fruit puree lends a pudding-like texture and packs in some protein.
Don’t have the time or energy to make your own popsicles? Not to worry, Immortal Juice Co. has you covered! In addition to their refreshing selection of organic and locally sourced cold-pressed juices, Immortal now has juice pops! Made from their cold pressed juices, these popsicles come in seasonal and exciting dairy-free flavors like Strawberry Fields, Pineapple Cream, and Banana Cacao. Grab a juice pop to snack on while wandering the markets, or bring a cooler to take them home! If you’re craving one of these popsicles, you’re in luck as Immortal attends multiple markets in Buncombe County including Asheville City, Black Mountain, North Asheville, West Asheville, River Arts District, and East Asheville.
In the mood for some ice cream? Look out for seasonal collaborations between The Hop Ice Cream and Lee’s One Fortune Farm. If you didn’t know, the Lee’s sell these ice creams made with their fruit at markets, depending on availability. Find the Lee’s at Asheville City, Black Mountain, West Asheville, River Arts District, Weaverville, and East Asheville markets. If you are into gelato or sorbet, find Sugar & Snow with classic and seasonal flavors at North Asheville Tailgate Market.
At markets now you’ll also find cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, beets, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, garlic, onions, okra, microgreens, many types of fresh herbs, and more. 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. During springtime, find annual and perennial plant starts for your gardens along with fresh flowers. 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.
Photo courtesy of Immortal Juice Co.