Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Visit a tailgate market this week to see the fruits of farmers’ labor—we’re talking apples, Asian pears, figs, and more!

What a difference a week makes. Since our last report of apples arriving at markets, the selection has expanded big time. At West Asheville Tailgate Market, Tucker’s Garden offers up Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Stayman Winesap, and Enterprise apples now. Thatchmore Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market) has Gala and Liberty varieties. And Mutsu, Fuji, and Honeycrisp apples have been spotted from McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market Downtown and South, North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market).
Speaking of McConnell, the farm also offers Asian pears, grapes, and figs this time of year. And they aren’t the only ones. Find figs from vendors including Jake’s Farm (Asheville City Market, Black Mountain Tailgate Market, French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market). Get grapes from vendors like Blue Ribbon Farm (Asheville City Market, Montford Farmers Market). And pick up Asian pears from vendors including Blue Heron Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market) and Creasman Farms (Asheville City Market, Black Mountain Tailgate Market, Montford Farmers Market). Asian pears taste—and look—like crisp, juicy apples. Summer isn’t technically over yet, so you might still see a few peaches and melons. But, snag them while you can.
The same goes for tomatoes and summer squash, which won’t last much longer. Beans and okra still abound now, but we will have to say goodbye next month. Don’t worry, though, market tables will fill right back up with large selections of fall greens, pumpkins, and winter squash, which are available in limited quantities now.
After taking a short break while classes settled in, Western Carolina University is back at Jackson County Farmers Market on Saturdays with Family Art at the Market (FAM); they create art projects with kids that relate back to exhibits at the Fine Arts Museum at WCU. FAM can be found under the pavilion from 10 am-noon.
On Saturday, September 14, the Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market hosts their 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off from 10 until 1 pm. Taste chili, including pork, beef, and vegetarian, and then vote for your favorite! Enjoy local foods, crafts, and music.
Black Mountain Tailgate Market is gearing up for their big benefit event “Local Plates, Local Pints 2013” on Thursday, September 19, from 4-7 pm at Pisgah Brewing Company. The fundraiser features samples of foods from market farmers and producers prepared by Black Mountain chefs, Pisgah beer samples, and a silent auction. Advance tickets are $20 and are available at the market, as well as online through Brown Paper Tickets.