Thanksgiving is here at area farmers tailgate markets! Stop by holiday markets this week for your last minute local ingredients.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
*UPDATED* Where to Get a Local Holiday Turkey (or Goose!)
*UPDATE* As of this morning, Balsam Gardens and Which Came First Farm still have turkeys available. Contact them directly; details below. Hickory Nut Gap Farm and East Fork Farm have sold out and are no longer taking reservations. East Fork Farm is, however, still taking reservations for Christmas goose.
Want to make a local Thanksgiving meal this year, starting with a farm-fresh bird? The following farms are taking turkey reservations now; visit their websites and/or contact them directly for more details and to order. Many farms are also at local tailgate markets and can provide additional info or register you there.
Note: This is not necessarily a complete list. We will update it to include more farms as we gather that information, as well as share when farms have sold out. You can also browse farms offering turkeys (year-round and at the holidays) via our online Local Food Guide.
Fresh at (Winter) Farmers Markets This Week
Valentine’s Day was definitely the theme of winter farmers markets last week—think handmade jewelry, crafts, and desserts galore, including giant chocolate hearts bearing the quintessential phrase Be Mine. Though the holiday and its special sweets will have come and gone before this week’s markets arrive, there will still be lots to swoon over!
Market favorites Rio Bertolini’s—who offer fresh pastas, sauces, and pizza dough—came back for good last week to Asheville City Market South’s winter tailgate (Wednesdays 2-6 pm). For their return, they brought several new flavors of raviolis, including pea and pancetta and parsnip and chestnut. Be on the lookout for exciting new fillings this week and every Wednesday. You can also find Rio Bertolini’s at the Winter Market at the Neighborhood Y at Woodfin (Saturdays 10 am-noon).
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Pioppinis! Reishis! Mushroom enthusiasts know we’re not speaking another language; we’re talking about two interesting and locally grown varieties. While you can usually find mushrooms at area farmers markets throughout the tailgate season, now is a great time to find varieties new to market (and maybe new to you)! Myco-Gardens offered up both varieties at North Asheville Tailgate Market last weekend, with Pioppinis new to their booth. Pioppinis pack a peppery flavor that’s perfect in pasta dishes or stir-fries. Myco’s Carol Dreiling says that Reishis are great for making tea, as they’re a medicinal, not culinary, mushroom. Rumored health benefits include blood pressure management and liver protection.