Fresh at (Winter) Farmers Markets This Week

Spring is still one month away, but you can hear about and even see it now at winter tailgate markets. Farmers and vendors are abuzz with their plans—sharing with each other and shoppers—and they’re starting to bring in new goods representative of the new season!
At Asheville City Market South (Wednesdays 2-6 pm), it seems like Jake’s Farm’s greens are getting brighter and greener every week in anticipation. Currently, salad mixes, spinach, herbs, peppers, and radishes keep their greens company. But, farmer Missy Huger shares they’ll soon bring micro greens, scallions, and beets, followed later (once spring sets in) by broccoli and cauliflower.

Speaking of spring color, jewelry vendor Fancy Dirt Forge is already offering some of their newest collection. The new pieces are made with all natural quartz in bright greens and blues.
To help you refresh for the upcoming season, Bath Salts and Beyond will release their “Radiant Being” detox bath made with Celtic sea salt, baking soda, kelp, and rosemary and lemon essential oils. According to its creators, the bath will cleanse your body of lingering winter germs so you can start anew with the warm weather.
Excited for the first honey flow of late spring? Satiate your cravings now and grab local honey infused with herbs from Pixie’s Pocket at the winter market at the Woodfin YMCA (Saturdays 10 am-noon). Of course, the market will have veggies, cheeses, meats, and more, too.
It felt like spring, even summer, at the last Madison County Indoor Winter Market (Saturdays 10 am-2 pm). That’s because Mackey Farms barbecued! Dewain Mackey plans to prepare another meal this week of bratwurst in a tasty sauce. Of course, you can also buy he and his family’s pork, chicken, eggs, and more. Also look for vendors with spring greens and carrots.
Luckily for all of us, area chickens—and ducks!—are laying now (despite the fewer hours of sunlight in winter). In addition to the markets mentioned above, you can pick up farm-fresh eggs at the site of the West Asheville Tailgate Market (Tuesdays 2-4 pm) and the site of the Wednesday market at the French Broad Food Co-op (Wednesday afternoons; also find vendor Carolina Wild Seafood there with catches from the coast).
Of course, baked goods, sweet treats, and jams and jellies aren’t bound by any season. Look for vendors at all winter markets, and treat yourself!

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