Beets might not be a favorite for everyone, but they sure taste like something ancient rising from the earth. The first beets were actually sea beets growing along the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans first cultivated the sea beet for its leafy greens–think something like Swiss chard. Nowadays, table beets come
Spring has finally offered us some April showers, and those farmers and fields of produce sure needed it! With the vibrancy of Spring and the arrival of more produce, now is the perfect time to throw together a hyper-local, yet simple stir-fry. With a long history and tradition in Chinese culture, stir-fries are all about
Strawberry season is upon us! The closer we get to May, the more strawberries will be available at market, but catch early varieties from McConnell Farms at North Asheville Tailgate Market and Ivy Creek Family Farm at North Asheville and Weaverville markets. In a few short weeks, you’ll be able to find more strawberries from
With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to dig in to some of your favorite comfort foods. Whether you’re gathering with friends and family, taking a staycation, or recognizing the complexities of the Thanksgiving holiday, Buncombe County farmers markets are here for you. Despite some below freezing temperatures last week, there are still
As the first cool breezes of late summer begin to whisper through the mountains, we’re reminded that fall and the school year are just around the corner. Now is the time to soak up that late summer goodness, especially with this past week being National Farmers Market Week! While we are always celebrating farmers markets,
This week’s heat wave has us reaching for anything cold and refreshing. When the weather is this hot, find some relief in cold drinks and treats that also replenish those crucial electrolytes. Markets are full of produce, especially summer fruits, to help counter these sweaty days. Make your own cold-brew iced tea, homemade popsicles, and
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
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the father figure in your life than by cooking up some seasonal produce and fresh meats from local farmers markets! Since Sunday is Father’s Day, we’re going to lean into the stereotype and devote this column to grilling. Grillable veggies like summer
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.