J Chong Eats

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

NOTE: Asheville City Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market are canceled for Saturday, Jan. 11, due to the winter storm and unsafe road conditions. Both markets will return Jan. 18. While we have fully entered winter, you can still find fresh, winter-season produce at Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets—just be sure to get there early … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Sweet corn arrived at Buncombe County farmers markets especially early this year, thanks to early planting gambles that paid off for many farms. You can get solid yellow or bicolor ears from multiple farms at Asheville City, North Asheville, Black Mountain, West Asheville, River Arts District, Weaverville, and East Asheville Markets. Worried about finding an … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

snap peas

We’re coming into the height of spring produce—and even getting the first glimpse of summer—at farmers markets now. Cucumbers, sugar snap peas, and spring onions are all available now. Plus, farms continue to offer the best of spring strawberries, spinach, chard, tender lettuces, arugula, radishes, beets, salad turnips, mushrooms and more.  Look for sugar snap … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

bamboo from Lee's One Fortune Farm

Farmers tailgate markets often provide entertainment in the form of musicians or even, on occasion, dancers or flash mobs. But sometimes the performance can come from the farmers. This week, stop to watch for a few minutes as Tou Lee of Lee’s One Fortune Farm demonstrates how to peel fresh bamboo shoots at his booth. You can … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Sazon spice blend from AppaLatin Farmstead

With the Thanksgiving holiday past us, Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets have shifted into holiday market gear. That means you may find changed or abbreviated hours, so double check this list or your market’s social media to confirm. You’ll also find more artisan and craft vendors and fewer produce vendors. While you can still grab what you need to prepare nourishing meals this week (including greens, root veggies, winter squash, meat, eggs, cheese, bread, and more), you might also be able to check a few items off your holiday shopping list. 

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

corn

Corn arrived at farmers tailgate markets especially early this year, thanks to an early planting gamble that paid off for Lee’s One Fortune Farm. You can get solid yellow or bicolor “peaches and cream” ears from the Lees now at ASAP, Black Mountain, West Asheville, River Arts District, and East Asheville markets. Expect other farms to have it ready in the next few weeks. 

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Bundle up! With pandemic precaution still critical, winter farmers tailgate markets are mostly staying outdoors (or partially indoors with ample airflow). Though there are fewer of these markets, you can still find a solid mix of seasonal fruits and veggies. Expect to see plenty of storage crops, like sweet potatoes, potatoes, apples, winter squash, turnips, beets, and carrots. Some farms make use of greenhouses or high tunnels to continue producing salad mixes, lettuces, and dark, leafy greens throughout the colder months. Meats, eggs, cheeses, bread, and artisan foods are also widely available. 

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Chef J Chong’s Sweet & Sour Pork and Veggie Stir-Fry

Chef J. Chong

Chef J Chong—originally from Toronto, but now calling Asheville home—is passionate about bringing Cantonese food to WNC. She sells dumplings and sauces at local farmers markets, leads cooking classes, and offers private dinners. J believes that food is medicine and food brings people together. J is a proud and vocal Asian queer activist for LGBTQ+, … Read more

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