Bright Branch Farm

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

strawberries from Ivy Creek Family Farm

Strawberries are arguably one of the most exciting parts of spring, and they’ve finally arrived at farmers markets! Their natural, refreshing sweetness is synonymous with the season. While you probably don’t need much to enjoy strawberries, try getting creative with a few new recipes this week. Right now, you can find strawberries from farms like … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Asian pears at market

While it may look like an apple and crunch like an apple, this delicious summer fruit is actually a pear! While your traditional pear offers a bell-like shape and sweet, floral taste, Asian pears have a rounder shape with a milder, refreshing flavor. You can find Asian pears from Lee’s One Fortune Farm (Asheville City, … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

garlic scapes

Summer is right around the corner, and as temperatures rise, we’re seeing more and more warm weather produce at markets! This week, look for garlic scapes, summer squash, and some of the first cherries of the year!  If you’re not familiar with garlic scapes, they are the tender stem and bulb of hard-necked garlic plants. … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Farmers tailgate markets are getting ready for a new season with a few shifts in operating hours coming up over the next few weeks. Below is a rundown for what to look for at Buncombe County markets, but you can also find opening dates for markets across the region at asapconnections.org/farmersmarkets.  At these early spring … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

sweet potatoes

While sweet potatoes are typically available year round, we’re starting to see more vendors bring the root crop to markets as we make our way into fall! The mild, sweet flavor of this vegetable pairs wonderfully with autumnal warming spices like ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, making it a perfect seasonal comfort food. You can … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Asian pears at market

It’s officially pear season in North Carolina! Asian pears were in abundance at farmers markets this week, so be sure to grab some while they’re still around. Their sweet, refreshing flavor and crisp texture make for the perfect late-summer snack. You can find Asian pears from McConnell Farms (North and West Asheville markets), Bright Branch … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

apples at market

We’re already halfway through summer, which means our favorite fall produce is getting closer than we think! As August arrives, we’re starting to see some of the season’s early apples make their way into farmers markets. In addition to a few delicious apple varieties, the cornucopia of summer fruits at markets right now includes peaches, … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

apples

As the seasons are shifting towards cooler nights and shorter days, and the leaves are starting to change, it is the time of year to cozy up with warming ginger tea or hot apple cider to celebrate the fall harvest and prepare for the winter. Apples, pumpkins, ginger, turmeric, winter squash and sweet potatoes are among some fall favorites that you can find throughout our region, providing just the right combination of flavors, and inspiration for so many delightful and nourishing meals.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

ginger gold apples from Creasman Farms

This is the sweetest of times. The great mingling of late summer and early fall fruits is happening now at farmers tailgate markets! While many farms still have peaches, raspberries, blackberries, and even blueberries, we’re also starting to get the first pear and apple varieties. Figs have arrived and watermelons and cantaloupes are more widely available.  

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Sure, the image is a little trite: Dad in his battleworn apron, presiding over the Weber. But since Sunday is both Father’s Day and the first day of summer, we’re going to lean into the stereotype and devote this column to grilling. Grillable veggies like summer squash, spring onions, and mushrooms are plentiful at farmers tailgate markets right now, in addition to a wide assortment of steaks, sausages, chops, and birds.

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