Mike Bean is a local chef with Finest Deli (though temporarily on hold) serving up fresh eats at farmers markets in Buncombe County. He serves on On Track WNC‘s Board of Directors and quickly shifted his cooking skills to support meal operations with World Central Kitchen to keep the people of Western North Carolina fed … Read more
Asparagus has arrived at farmers markets for spring! Asparagus packs a lot of nutrition, including Vitamin A, potassium, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. This culinary staple can be cooked in many ways, including a delicious pasta primavera. Did you know that primavera means spring in Italian? What better way to kick off the season than a … Read more
As spring creeps in, farmers markets will start to have new vegetables that invite shoppers to try something new. Spring alliums—including scallions, spring onions, and green garlic—are among the first to mark the new season! These versatile vegetables lend a fresh, peppery flavor and can spice up almost any dish. Stir fry is a classic … Read more
Although Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring, our farmers markets will continue to run on their winter schedules till the end of March. As winter temps swing up and down, winter markets offer an array of goods that can be used for cozy meals. What better way than with a hearty, filling shepherd’s pie? This … Read more
Valentine’s Day is one of the few days a year designated to showing your love and appreciation towards your significant other, friends, family, or whoever your valentine might be! Treating your loved one to a special meal made from local produce, or with an array of thoughtfully selected local artisan products, is a great way … Read more
After weekend market closures, freezing temperatures and even some snow last week, we’re all itching to get back to our regularly scheduled farmers markets for some fresh, local produce! One veggie (or fungi, rather) you’ll be able to find year-round, no matter the temperature, are mushrooms! Local mushroom growers and cultivators are plentiful at winter … Read more
Locally grown rice from Lee’s One Fortune Farm has finally returned to markets! This week, look for sweet sticky and red rice from the Lees, with more varieties to come over throughout the season, like purple and brown rice! You can find them at Asheville City, Black Mountain, East Asheville, River Arts District, and West … Read more
Mushrooms are a year-round staple at most farmers markets. If you find yourself growing tired of winter greens and root crops this time of year, trying a new mushroom variety might be the perfect way to switch up your local shopping! Vendors like The Forest Farmacy and Stump Farms at Asheville City Market and Black … Read more
Make sure to get any local ingredient shopping for holiday meals done this week, as farmers tailgate markets will be taking a break Dec. 22 to Jan. 3. Your last chances to shop are this Saturday (Asheville City Market, 9 to noon, and North Asheville Tailgate Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Tuesday (West Asheville … Read more
Locally grown rice from Lee’s One Fortune Farm has arrived at markets this week! While rice is not commonly grown in Southern Appalachia, and generally grown in few areas of the United States, the Lees’ use of nearby streams to irrigate their rice paddies creates the submerged conditions needed to grow their rice. Red rice … Read more