Cuckoo for crucifers? You’re cordially invited to a cabbage family reunion at area farmers tailgate markets this week! Most members—including broccoli, arugula, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, kohlrabi, daikon and other radishes, and bok choy—are at the party now; expect Brussels sprouts soon.
You might be surprised to know that cauliflower comes in colors other than white. Paper Crane Farm (Asheville City Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market) has recently been offering the veggie in white, green, and “orange”—a yellow-orange cauliflower aptly named Cheddar. Keep your eyes peeled for Romanesco, a lime-green variety with pointed, spiraled pinnacles—a true sight!
Radishes abound and are the tiniest of the crucifers. But, there’s one type of radish that didn’t get the tiny memo and takes its super food label to a super size: daikon. Varieties of this giant radish have been spotted from vendors including Aardvark Farm (Asheville City Market, Yancey County Farmers Market), Flying Cloud Farm (Asheville City Market, Montford Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market), and Gaining Ground Farm (Asheville City Market, Montford Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market).
Look for cabbage of all kinds, including bok choy, which doesn’t look quite like its round crucifer cousins. All these nutrient-dense veggies will stick around markets until winter’s cold sets in.
In the Halloween spirit? Tailgates have got pumpkins for eating and carving now. MiLo Acres has been bringing quite a spread to Black Mountain Tailgate Market and French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market. At Asheville City Market, visit Hugh Wright of Arbor Studios. He brings a selection of already carved pumpkins that are truly works of art. What’s more, he carves live at his booth and offers custom designs. He’ll keep his “patch” stocked through the holiday.
Note that because of the Mountain Glory Festival, the Historic Marion Tailgate Market will be closed Saturday, October 12.
To learn 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
