French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

It’s the best of both worlds—rather, seasons—at area farmers tailgate markets now! Spring strawberries can still be found among exciting newcomers like mushrooms, summer squash, and sunflowers.
Chanterelles were a crowd pleaser at Asheville City Market this past weekend. In fact, the mushrooms flew out of Paper Crane Farm’s booth fast (see pic above; also find Paper Crane at West Asheville Tailgate Market). Expect to see more chanterelles along with other wild and cultivated mushrooms, from chicken of the woods to shiitakes, at markets this month. June is officially dedicated to mushrooms in ASAP’s Get Local initiative, and local mushroom expert Alan Muskat shares it will be the peak time for favorite wild varieties like chanterelles. Your farmer may grow and/or forage their mushrooms; just ask!

Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

The new kids on the block at area farmers tailgate markets now are far from wallflowers! A brand new tailgate has started out strong, new produce offerings can’t be missed, and new vendors are joining in and attracting crowds.
Last week, the newly formed Oakley Farmers Market hosted their soft opening; they will celebrate their official grand opening this Thursday with live music, baby goats, and a children’s activity. Vendor Gladheart Farm (also at East Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market South) offered up some of the very first zucchinis and cucumbers of the season from their high tunnels. Fiddlesticks Farm, in their first year and also vending at the East Asheville Tailgate Market, caught shoppers’ eyes with their not-often-seen French radish; the variety is GIANT for a radish—reaching almost softball size—and very spicy.

Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Spring salad ingredients are stealing the spotlight at area farmers tailgate markets now. And we’re not just talking about the standards—although crisp local lettuces and radishes abound. Find everything you need for specialty side salads: slaw, pasta salad, even potato salad!

Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

There has definitely been a broccoli buzz lately at area farmers tailgate markets! Expect that buzz to build and build in the coming weeks.
Broccoli is most prominent at markets in early summer, and again in the fall, but farmers have been offering up the veggie ahead of schedule this year. At the French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market alone, three vendors brought broccoli last week: MiLo Acres, Tucker’s Garden, and Old Ground Farm. Find broccoli at other markets this week as well, but do get there early to shop. Harvest amounts are limited and going fast.

Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Strawberries and rhubarb go together like peanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots, salt and pepper…you get the idea! Luckily, both members of the dynamic duo are available at area farmers tailgate markets now—fresh from farmers and already baked into classic pies and crisps thanks to bakery vendors.
The veggie (even though it tastes sweet-tart like fruit, it’s a vegetable!) has been spotted from several vendors, including McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market) and Jake’s Farm (Asheville City Market, French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market). Like strawberries, rhubarb can be frozen for a taste of spring come fall or winter; just blanch it first.

Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Seeing strawberries? Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you! The spring staple crop arrived at area farmers tailgate markets this past weekend, about two weeks ahead of schedule.
Strawberries joined fellow season-favorite asparagus at McConnell Farms’ two booths—at Asheville City Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market—selling out quickly at both. It’s possible they may still have a few bunches of asparagus this week, but strawberries are truly spring’s stars now. Jake’s Farm also brought berries to Asheville City Market, and Ivy Creek Family Farm brought theirs to North Asheville. Expect to find strawberries at markets through mid-May.

Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Spring’s boldest flavors—from ramps to asparagus and stinging nettles to spring onions—were front and center at area farmers tailgate markets this past week and weekend, and they should be available for your favorite recipes a little longer.

Read more

Fresh at (Indoor & Outdoor!) Farmers Markets This Week

The seasons collide this week as indoor winter markets continue and the first outdoor markets of spring open their, well, tents!
The indoor market at Asheville City Market South in Biltmore Park Town Square continues Wednesday (2-6 pm). It’s the farewell market for Creasman Farms and their apples; they’ll return to Asheville City Market in downtown this summer with peaches, blueberries, and more. Jake’s Farm will bring more greens—lettuce, kale, collards, and mustards—and they’ll have turnips, too. Blue Meadow Farms will take a break this week but return next Wednesday with radishes and kale mixes. They’re looking forward to offering garlic scapes soon!

Read more

Sign Up for Our Newsletters