Cuckoo for crucifers? You’re cordially invited to a cabbage family reunion at area farmers tailgate markets this week! Most members—including broccoli, arugula, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, kohlrabi, daikon and other radishes, and bok choy—are at the party now; expect Brussels sprouts soon.
cauliflower
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Summer is officially here! Although the season’s full bounty has yet to arrive to area tailgates, produce ambassadors have been dispatched from the fields to tantalize taste buds and tell of what’s to come.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Area farmers tailgate markets offer a chance to truly taste the rainbow this week.
Cauliflower can be found in three shades now; but, it may be the last week for these colorful cruciferous veggies, so snag them up! Look for traditional white from a variety of vendors. Find purple cauliflower from Paper Crane Farm (Asheville City Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market), and look for Cheddar cauliflower, which is, of course, yellow, from Cane Creek Organics (Asheville City Market and Asheville City Market South, Flat Rock Tailgate Market).
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Thanksgiving is the ultimate meat (or meat-alternative!) and potatoes meal, and who says spuds can’t be the star? Area farmers tailgate markets have the varieties you need to make the quintessential side stand out—whether you plan to mash, roast, or bake.
Look for fingerling potatoes, including the chef-favorite Russian Banana. These yellow banana-shaped ‘taters are known for their firm texture that holds up well to boiling, baking, and beyond. Also look for Green Mountain potatoes, spotted recently from Full Sun Farm at Montford Farmers Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market. Green Mountain was once the country’s most-popular baking potato, before the Russet took over the top spot. While only a few farmers grow the variety now, Full Sun promises that its unique buttery flavor is still the same.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
It’s a veritable pumpkin patch at area farmers tailgate markets now that October is here! Pick pie pumpkins for your favorite recipe. They’re smaller, sweeter, and less grainy than their carving counterparts, making them perfect for, well, pie!
Of course jack-o-lanterns can be “picked,” too. At Asheville City Market, visit Hugh Wright of Arbor Studios. He brings a selection of already carved pumpkins that are truly works of art. What’s more, he carves live at his booth and offers custom designs. He’ll keep his patch packed through Halloween, but his intricate designs should last until well after the spooky day. Vendors also sell Indian corn, colorful squash, and gourds for decoration.