As daylight hours wane and the calendar year wraps up, many farmers in Western North Carolina let their fields begin to rest. This sacred time of year is filled with breaks from school, gathering loved ones together to share dishes passed down through the generations, taking a much needed rest (especially for farmers), and surviving
As we inch closer to the December holidays and the official start of the winter season, we are drawn to gather around hearths and heartwarming stories, crafts and bright candles, music and mulled beverages, and, of course, nourishing meals. Whether you’re the one hosting a gathering or attending someone else’s holiday festivities, there are plenty
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of apple varieties on offer at farmers tailgate markets each autumn. Some are better for baking, some for snacking. Maybe you prefer a sweeter apple or something more tart. Maybe you know you’ve tasted the perfect apple before, but you can’t remember what it was called. How
This year’s holiday season may feel different for many in our region. While our landscapes have changed forever, we have learned that we can rebuild, we can rely on one another, and we can survive alongside each other, even if we are very different. Traditionally, Thanksgiving has been about abundance, gratitude, and the harvest season.
This salad can be enjoyed in a number of combinations throughout the fall to spring season. Use any type of winter squash and any crisp apple variety. Because butternuts can store for up to 6 months, you can eat them all fall and winter long. This vegetable’s tough skin makes it a perfect storage crop.
As we move further into the fall season, one like any other we have experienced, apples reach their prime for picking. Apples in autumn just make sense – the earthy red, orange, yellow, green, gold and brown colors of all their different varieties reflected in the changing leaves paired with quintessential fall flavors. Apples can
Despite the beginning of spring, we still experienced some chilly (even below freezing) temps this week! Thankfully a warmer climate seems to be on the way, but with the fluctuating temperatures and the arrival of allergy season, our immune systems may take a hit over the next few weeks! Take a little extra care of
With an abundance of Thanksgiving leftovers, cooking might be the last thing on your mind, but don’t forget to visit farmers markets this weekend for some fresh local produce! This week, you can find a bounty of root vegetables at markets, including rutabagas, parsnips, and potato varieties, as well as a collection of cruciferous veggies,
Still trying to figure out what to cook friends and family for Thanksgiving this year? Try putting a spin on ordinary Thanksgiving sides with local produce from farmers tailgate markets! Despite some below freezing temperatures last week, there are still plenty of fresh vegetables at markets to use in your holiday cooking. This grain-free veggie
Now that Halloween is behind us, it’s time to start planning some holiday recipes! Try mixing up your Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts this year with new ideas for local carrots, persimmons, and apples! Farmers markets are stocked with a colorful assortment of carrots this week! Gajar ka Halwa, or carrot pudding, is a popular Indian