Even though the weather has been summerlike, local farmers and vendors are still heading indoors for “winter markets” this week. But, talk has definitely turned to spring—and its outdoor markets and bounty. (Can it be three seasons all at once?!)
At Asheville City Market South’s winter market—which runs indoors Wednesdays from 2 to 6 pm through the end of April—farmer Missy Huger of Jake’s Farm is excited to offer spring greens galore. Look for everything from spinach and salad mix to herbs and Asian greens like Bok Choy and Tatsoi.
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Fresh at (Winter) Farmers Markets This Week
If apples are, well, the apple of your eye, you won’t want to miss area farmers markets these next three weeks! Creasman Farms has been bringing their apples to both Asheville City Market South (Wednesdays, 2-6 pm) and the indoor market at the Woodfin YMCA (Saturdays, 10 am-noon) all winter long. But, their supplies of the fall crop can’t last forever. Expect them to stay through the end of March—they’ll still have their apple baked goods and apple butter, too. Should they not sell out of Pink Lady and the other remaining varieties by the end of the month, you may find them vending into April. But if they do sell out, you’ll have to wait to see Creasman again until July, when they return to Asheville City Market with their summer crops of peaches and berries.
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
Get sweet treats this week at area farmers tailgate markets, and not the kind you think! Sure, there will be Halloween- and fall-inspired cupcakes, pies, and tarts (and even a chance to trick or treat—more later). But the real sweet story is the season’s veggies.
The first freeze, predicted mid-week, will actually make fall favorites like kale, broccoli, parsnips, and carrots sweeter and more flavorful than they’ve been so far! How?