Now that September is here and we are closer to the fall equinox, preserving the flavors of peak summer is prime for the picking—or the pickling! There are many ways to preserve the bounty of produce from farmers markets including pickling, fermenting, freezing, canning, dehydrating, and more. Without wishing the summer season away, think ahead
Green beans are fresh for the picking at markets now! For many through the ages, beans of all kinds are more than food. They are a symbol of resilience, self-sufficiency, and the close-knit communities that have preserved them and kept them alive for generations. Poke around Appalachia and you’ll be sure to find some heartening
Markets are heating up this week with plenty of new pepper varieties to spice up your cooking! This pepper cornucopia includes shishito, jalapeño, Anaheim, poblano, bell, sweet peppers, and more. Look for peppers from Sleight Family Farm (North Asheville), Gaining Ground Farm (North Asheville and River Arts District markets), Olivette Farm (Asheville City and East
Summer officially begins today, and it sure does feel like it! If you too don’t have central air or are just wanting to keep your house from heating up more than it already is, chilled soups are the way to go. These dishes are essentially vegetable smoothies to eat from a bowl—or even drink from
A lot of firsts are coming in season–broccoli, cauliflower, more cucumbers, and the first zucchini, summer squash, and new potatoes! These are crops that highlight the shoulder season so well with a mix of abundant spring crops and beginnings of early summer ones we have all been waiting for. The flowering heads of broccoli and
While ramps have finished up for the season, markets are full of spring alliums like green garlic, garlic scapes, onion scapes, leeks, green onions, chives and more! The onion and garlic family—also known as edible alliums—are a fond flavor for humans and have been used in cooking and as natural medicine for thousands of years.
With the arrival of the new season we welcome the return of farmers markets and the dozens of vendors that come with them! With more than 100 farmers markets across the Appalachian Grown region, more markets will reopen throughout the spring. Many of these markets offer SNAP incentives and other promotional programs. Search for markets
As we inch closer to March, to spring, and to the return of abundant produce we so eagerly await, evening meals may still be challenging with the limited daylight, energy, and options. Soon, we will see the return and increased plethora of cherished spring crops like beets, carrots, peas, asparagus, strawberries and a huge variety
This week we are talking about heart-helping purple foods! Besides being absolutely gorgeous and delicious, purple foods contain an antioxidant—anthocyanins—which help to protect and repair cellular damage, protect the crop from sun damage and cold temperatures, and support our cardiovascular and overall health. While you can usually find purple produce at markets all-year-round, find a
While we’re forever grateful for winter farmers markets and farmers who find ways to extend their growing seasons, we do sometimes experience midwinter doldrums. Less variety can leave cooks feeling uninspired. When this happens, it’s time to mix things up—literally, in a blender or food processor. We’re talking about winter green sauces! Green tahini sauce