It’s beginning to look a lot like summer at area farmers tailgate markets thanks to June’s arrival! This month marks the true start of the local broccoli season, which lasts into July. Markets from Black Mountain Tailgate Market to West Asheville Tailgate Market report vendors are bringing the cruciferous veggie now. B&L Organic (French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market) offers broccoli raab or rabe, also called rapini. The veggie’s buds resemble broccoli, but it’s more closely related to the turnip (also available now); use in pastas and stir-fries.
Asheville City Market
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Craving cool, crisp salads now that the mercury is rising? Area farmers tailgate markets are veritable salad bars these days. At Asheville City Market last weekend, produce vendors’ booths were lined with lettuce of all varieties. Oakley Farmers Market’s produce vendors report they’re bringing red leaf and romaine lettuces this week.
*Recipe Added!* Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Strawberries sold in a snap last week, but don’t worry if you didn’t go home with any. Berries are back again at area farmers tailgate markets! What’s more, they’re super sweet now. With the drenching rains mostly behind us, the sun has gone to work bringing out the berries’ sugars. Speaking of sweet, Mackey Farms (Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market) offered up strawberry ice cream last week, so be on the lookout.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Noticing that markets don’t look the same as they did this time last May? It’s true. Warm weather accelerated the harvest last year, while a cooler spring and recent heavy rains are delaying things a bit now. But rest assured, more produce is coming—more options and larger quantities!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The bad news: It’s the end of the short ramps season—grab ’em if you see ’em. The good news: The spring harvest is just heating up, and ramps are pretty much the only produce you’ll have to say goodbye to for a while at area farmers tailgate markets! This week, say hello to all manner of fruits and veggies: lettuce, spinach, strawberries, and the list goes on.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Adore asparagus? Then get thee to a farmers tailgate market this week and weekend! Although stalks have been trickling in for a bit, markets are moving toward asparagus abundance thanks to vendors like McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market South, North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market).
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Their hue has been called “passionate scarlet” by one famous food writer. Yep, we’re talking about radishes! Bold beauties have already been spotted from vendors like New Moon Herbs Farm and Earthlife Farm at Asheville City Market Downtown.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Get your greens at area farmers tailgate markets now! Tailgates from Asheville City Market (ACM) to Jackson County Farmers Market, Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market to Weaverville Tailgate Market, and French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market (FBFC) to West Asheville Tailgate Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market have opened outdoors for the season with all kinds of leafy greens. We’re talking arugula, chard, herbs (like cilantro and oregano), kale, lettuces, mustard greens, pak choi, and spinach.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
This week is a winter wind down and spring start up!
Asheville City Market (ACM) downtown hosts its last indoor winter market this Saturday, March 30 (10 am-1 pm). Expect the same goodness of the past several months—greens, cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and more. Also expect something new: the first fresh chickens of the season from Hominy Valley Farms!
Fresh at (Winter) Farmers Markets This Week
The weather is warming, and spring is officially just around the corner! Even though that means winter markets are winding down, there’s still plenty of excitement left for the next two-three weeks before they head outdoors, including more produce and plant starts.