Bright Branch Farm

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Summer is in full swing here, and just in time for early July, our farmers markets are bursting with color, flavor, and local goodness. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a picnic under the fireworks, or simply savoring the season, now’s the time to stock up on juicy peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. With

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

With the changing of the seasons–even week by week this time of year–we get to witness and taste the ripening of each fruit, one ripening as another is ending. While strawberries still have a few more weeks, the short yet sweet season of cherries is here! Cherries are both easy to preserve and delicious eaten

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

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,

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.

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

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

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

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,

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.

Read more

Sign Up for Our Newsletters