Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

green garlic

Spring officially arrives on Sunday! Most farmers tailgate markets around the region have opening dates starting in April and May. We’ll have a rundown of times and locations for Buncombe County markets in next week’s report. Though it will still be a month or so before we see asparagus, rhubarb, or strawberries at markets, we’re definitely … Read more

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

After the taste of spring temperatures this past week, you might feel a little disheartened by the cold snap on its way. But you can embrace the last week of winter by leaning into some warm, hearty meals made with ingredients from winter farmers markets. Markets are a bit smaller right now, with winter storage crops thinning and full spring production not yet underway. But you can still find what you need for a delicious shepherd’s pie—a quintessential dish for eating by a cozy fire.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

The forecast for the weekend is begging you to ditch the heavy winter coat, pack a tasty sandwich, and head outside! Banh mi, a Vietnamese street food staple, includes many ingredients available at winter markets right now, including daikon radish, carrots, lemongrass, and cilantro. Our recipe takes a bit of advance prep time for marinating and pickling, but the actual active work is fairly simple. 

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

gai lan from Lee's One Fortune Farm

Farmers grow a diversity of leafy greens year-round in our region, but you might find your favorites sell out quickly at winter tailgate markets (we’re looking at you, spinach). This is a great opportunity to substitute your go-to greens with something slightly different. Here’s a rundown of what types of greens you might encounter at markets right now.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

As we wait to see how last week’s snow storm will affect field crops and hoop houses, now might be a good time to explore some of the storage veggies at winter farmers markets, like sweet potatoes, cabbage, and winter squash. We have a couple of ideas to make the most of the winter squash varieties still available from several farms—including butternut from Sleight Family Farm, kabocha from Lee’s One Fortune Farm, and acorn from Highgate Farm. Look for Sleight at ASAP Farmers Market, Highgate at River Arts District Farmers Market, and the Lees at both markets.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

eating snap peas at the farmers market

Though we’re certainly getting cold temperatures now, a warmer than usual December accounts for lots of produce variety at winter farmers markets now. In addition to storage veggies like squash and sweet potatoes, hardy greens like kale and mustard, and winter stalwarts like radishes and salad turnips, we’ve also spotted early snow peas and broccoli.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

chard from Highgate Farm

We’ll have three weekly farmers tailgate market options in Buncombe County this winter! In addition to the winter market versions of ASAP Farmers Market and River Arts District Farmers Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market will now offer a year-round shopping opportunity with an indoor market on Wednesdays at Weaverville Community Center. 

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

Cinderella pumpkin from Lee's One Fortune Farm

In the age-old fairy tale, turning into a pumpkin at midnight is frowned upon. This year at Thanksgiving, however, when you turn the centerpiece of your meal into a magically stuffed Cinderella pumpkin, you can be sure that your holiday guests will wonder which fairy godmother swooped in to prepare it.

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

roasted quail with herbs and cranberry sauce

There were a limited number of local turkeys available from Appalachian Grown farms this year, and those sold out by the end of October. So what if you didn’t reserve your bird early, but still want a local meat centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner? If you’re willing to get a little creative, you can find alternatives at farmers tailgate markets. (Planning a vegan or vegetarian feast? Stay tuned for next week’s column for ideas.)

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Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

purple and orange sweet potatoes

The mornings and evenings are getting pretty chilly, and if you’re feeling like us, you may want to snuggle in with a warm drink for a few extra minutes. Farmers tailgate markets have lots of nourishing options for getting creative with hot drinks, whether you prefer tea, cider, or even a frothy vegetable latte. 

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