Mike Bean

Mike Bean is a local chef with Finest Deli (though temporarily on hold) serving up fresh eats at farmers markets in Buncombe County. He serves on On Track WNC‘s Board of Directors and quickly shifted his cooking skills to support meal operations with World Central Kitchen to keep the people of Western North Carolina fed … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Have these weird times without clean running water gotten your tummy upset? Or, do the upcoming stressors of the holidays have your stomach in a bunch? Prepare yourself for the holiday meals season with light and easy-to-eat foods you can have at the ready in case you (or your kids) find yourself feeling under the … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

As we move further into the fall season, one like any other we have experienced, apples reach their prime for picking. Apples in autumn just make sense – the earthy red, orange, yellow, green, gold and brown colors of all their different varieties reflected in the changing leaves paired with quintessential fall flavors. Apples can … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Head to this weekend’s Farm Tour, Sept. 21 – 22 from noon to 5 p.m., and get a behind the scenes look and early taste of what’s to come — heirloom rice grown right here in Western North Carolina. Lee’s One Fortune Farm has been weaving their Hmong food and farming traditions into the foothills … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Late summer and the turn of the season brings delicious offerings like muscadines, the last of the pawpaws, and finally — the awaited return of fall greens like kale, collards, romaine, and more. While summer crops are still in abundance, head to Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets to see and taste the changing of the … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

It’s officially pear season in North Carolina! Asian pears are coming in at farmers markets, so be sure to grab some while they’re here. Their sweet, refreshing flavor and crisp texture make for the perfect late-summer snack. Unlike other common pears like barletts, Asian pears should be firm to the touch and crunchy like a … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

As we turn the seasonal page into August, peppers of nearly endless varieties are taking their stride for the next couple of months. Head to one of the many farmers markets in Buncombe County and find all your favorites like sweet bell peppers, jalapenos, wax peppers and even types of peppers you may have never … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Tomatoes are beginning their first appearances at Buncombe County farmers markets. Tomatoes come in almost endless varieties and are champions of versatility! With so many options to choose from and plenty of ways to utilize them in your cooking, tomatoes will be on your shopping list at farmers markets for the rest of summer through … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

As the first days of summer have arrived and the heat wave continues, keep your freezer stocked with fresh fruit popsicles! Whether you’re having trouble getting your kids to eat more fruit, or simply just want a healthy and delicious way to cool down these long and hot summer days, popsicles are the perfect way … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

cucumbers

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

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