If you’ve been hunkered down all week wondering if or when our country would erupt into violence, heading out to a farmers tailgate market might be the healthiest thing you can do for yourself. First of all, markets are outdoor environments and all that fresh air and sunlight can help clear your head. Second, even in the age of coronavirus and a divisive election, markets offer community and fellowship. Finally, and most obviously, shopping at market literally nourishes yourself and your family.
carrots
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
We’re finally in for some colder nights this coming week, so it’s a good time to stock up on stew ingredients to fortify you against the chill. Whether your preferred simmering method involves an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or good, old-fashioned Dutch oven, your first step is to gather everything you can at a winter farmers tailgate market. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
Each year ASAP staff share their favorite Thanksgiving recipes. This one comes from Amy Marion in ASAP’s Local Food Research Center.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Are there colors you associate with different seasons at farmers tailgate markets? The vivid reds, yellows, and purples of summer tomatoes, crookneck squash, and eggplant? The deep golds and dark greens of fall pumpkins and kale? Shades of spring—pink, yellow-orange, and emerald green—are starting perk up market tents.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
When thinking about the colors of autumn, it is typical to think of fall foliage. But, the fall produce at area farmers tailgate markets is a splendid array of tints and hues that should not be passed by!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Celery, one of the more limited veggies to be found at area farmers tailgate markets, is here now! Celery is limited in the length of its harvest season as well as how many farms grow and sell it. There are cooking applications that celery is used in that make its appearance at market particularly exciting — one of which as an ingredient in aromatics.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Routines make up our lives. Some routines are daily, others weekly. For many, visiting indoor winter tailgate markets is part of their regular, Saturday routine. What these routines look like vary by individual and family, but one routine might look something like this:
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
In the cold winter weather, it’s so wonderful to shop for local produce in a cozy environment. But it’s not too cozy, it’s still exciting — from week to week, there are differences in markets that keep them new and fresh. Some vendors come, some go, some visit every other week, and which products they have for purchase and sample ebb and flow. Don’t take my word for it — visit a market this Saturday (and then again, next Saturday), and see for yourself.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The winter months are here and so are the indoor farmers tailgate markets! Two markets opened this past week to large enthusiastic crowds. Fortunately, both the Asheville City Winter Market and the YMCA Indoor Winter Market have more vendors than in past years, and more than enough produce to meet the growing winter demand. Both markets had local greens, root vegetables, microgreens, onions, pickles, eggs, meat, cheeses, bread, snacks, and much more.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
With all the dry weather throughout the summer, farmers were hoping for rain, but as the adage goes, “be careful what you wish for.” Farmers have not been affected uniformly by the heavy rains that hit the region last week; each farm has different soil type, elevation/gradient of their fields, microclimate (which affected how much rain they got), and growing practices (raised beds, tunnels, etc). The variation in produce affected by the rain at area farmers tailgate markets this week will vary from farm to farm.