This year’s holiday season may feel different for many in our region. While our landscapes have changed forever, we have learned that we can rebuild, we can rely on one another, and we can survive alongside each other, even if we are very different. Traditionally, Thanksgiving has been about abundance, gratitude, and the harvest season. … Read more
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
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
As the start of the school year approaches and it begins to feel more and more like late summer, preserving the flavors of peak summer is prime for the picking — or the pickling! There are many ways to preserve the bounty of produce from Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets including pickling, fermenting, freezing, canning, … Read more
Cherries have a blink-and-you-miss-it season in Western North Carolina, but that moment is now! If you don’t eat all the cherries you find at farmers markets, you can preserve their flavors a bit longer by making vinaigrette to zip up your salads or syrup to add some zing to icy drinks. You can also freeze … 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
While it may look like an apple and crunch like an apple, this delicious summer fruit is actually a pear! While your traditional pear offers a bell-like shape and sweet, floral taste, Asian pears have a rounder shape with a milder, refreshing flavor. You can find Asian pears from Lee’s One Fortune Farm (Asheville City, … Read more
We’re already about halfway through summer (if you can believe it!), and each week more new produce arrives at farmers markets! Last week, vendors arrived with a bounty of sweet corn. You can find corn from Creasman Farms (Asheville City, Black Mountain, North Asheville, and West Asheville markets), Lee’s One Fortune Farm (Asheville City, Black … Read more
Peaches have made their long awaited return to farmers markets! You can find this summer favorite from Creasman Farms (Asheville City, Black Mountain, North Asheville, and West Asheville markets), Lyda & Sons Family Orchard (Weaverville Tailgate Market), Lee’s One Fortune Farm (Asheville City, Black Mountain, East Asheville, River Arts District, and West Asheville markets) and … Read more