With a heat wave gripping most of the Eastern United States this week, it’s too hot to cook! Luckily, we’re entering the season of chilled soups and gazpacho. These dishes are essentially vegetable smoothies to eat from a bowl—or even drink from a glass if you prefer! They require no heat to prepare, but pack … Read more
Mother figures come in so many forms. No matter who you’d like to honor this week (on Mother’s Day or any other day), farmers markets give you plenty of options for gifts, flowers, and special treats. Start the celebration with a simple breakfast in bed (or on a sunny porch, if that’s more her style). … Read more
Strawberries are arguably one of the most exciting parts of spring, and they’ve finally arrived at farmers markets! Their natural, refreshing sweetness is synonymous with the season. While you probably don’t need much to enjoy strawberries, try getting creative with a few new recipes this week. Right now, you can find strawberries from farms like … Read more
Asparagus has arrived at farmers markets for spring! Asparagus packs a lot of nutrition, including Vitamin A, potassium, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. This culinary staple can be cooked in many ways, including a delicious pasta primavera. Did you know that primavera means spring in Italian? What better way to kick off the season than a … Read more
Nothing is quite as refreshing as biting into a fresh cucumber on a warm day! While cucumbers are often enjoyed raw or in a salad, this veggie is a little more versatile than its given credit for. You can find cucumbers this week from Thatchmore Farm (North and West Asheville markets), Ivy Creek Family Farm … Read more
Sugar snap peas, a spring favorite of many, have returned to markets! Loved for their crunchy texture and sweet flavor, this legume can be incorporated into any recipe or meal this week. Our favorite way to enjoy snap peas is in this simple and refreshing salad with goat cheese. Trim and remove the strings of … Read more
Spring produce is continuing to arrive at farmers tailgate markets, and this week we’re beginning to see more of our favorite alliums, including spring onions, scallions, and even some shallots! Be on the lookout over the next few weeks for more spring favorites, as well as some early summer crops, including peas, cucumbers, summer squash, … Read more
Our favorite spring fruit (strawberries!) made its grand return to farmers tailgate markets last week, and we’ll see an even bigger bounty of this seasonal treat over the next few weeks. You can find strawberries from Ivy Creek Family Farm (North Asheville and Weaverville markets), Full Sun Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market), Headwaters Market Garden … Read more
While we eagerly await some of our favorite spring produce at farmers markets (look out for ramps, strawberries, and more within the coming weeks!), it’s not too late to embrace some of the cold-weather crops we’ve seen at markets this winter, like beets! Beets are a sweet, nutrient-dense, and versatile root vegetable that can be … Read more
Farmers tailgate markets are getting ready for a new season with a few shifts in operating hours coming up over the next few weeks. Below is a rundown for what to look for at Buncombe County markets, but you can also find opening dates for markets across the region at asapconnections.org/farmersmarkets. At these early spring … Read more