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.
mushrooms
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Not sure what to do with unfamiliar products you spot at farmers markets? Talking to farmers or other food vendors is a great way to pick up new recipes or cooking tips. For instance, lion’s mane mushrooms, which look a little like a furry head of cauliflower, might confound mushroom shoppers. But Jay and Gwen at Black Trumpet Farm (at River Arts District at ASAP markets) will happily share a recipe for faux crab cakes made from lion’s mane. This vegetarian meal option makes a surprisingly convincing substitute for the real thing.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Sure, the image is a little trite: Dad in his battleworn apron, presiding over the Weber. But since Sunday is both Father’s Day and the first day of summer, we’re going to lean into the stereotype and devote this column to grilling. Grillable veggies like summer squash, spring onions, and mushrooms are plentiful at farmers tailgate markets right now, in addition to a wide assortment of steaks, sausages, chops, and birds.
Mushroom Shrimp Pasta
As part of ASAP’s Farm Fresh for Health initiative, we partnered with community health professionals to bring you virtual demos to inspire cooking for yourself and your family. Shop for ingredients at a farmers market near you! Maddie Culbertson, demonstration kitchen coordinator for the Mills River Farm Market and Healthy Living Coach for the YMCA, cooks a tasty and … Read more
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Springtime brings on foraging dreams for many of us—returning to your favorite ramp patch or happening upon an elusive morel deep in the woods. But if you’re not able to wander off the path in search of these delights, farmers tailgate markets can also be great places to gather wild foods, in addition to cultivated spring crops.
Plant-Based Tacos
As part of ASAP’s Farm Fresh for Health initiative, we partnered with community health professionals to bring you virtual demos to inspire cooking for yourself and your family. Dr. Brian Asbill of Ruckus Health demos a family favorite recipe. Ingredients Taco filling: Cashew cream: Directions
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Have you tried shiso? This herb, also called perilla, is in the mint family and is most familiar as the garnish on a sushi platter. But it has many more culinary uses—and you can get it now at multiple farmers tailgate markets from Lee’s One Fortune Farm.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
With the opening of outdoor farmers tailgate markets comes the return of some of your favorite farmers and producers who may have taken a break over the winter season. If you’ve been missing your mushroom fix, Asheville Fungi will be back at Asheville City Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market this week.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Many fruits and vegetables are widely celebrated in the fall including apples, pumpkins and other winter squash. At area farmers tailgate markets, there are so many varieties of vegetables worthy of homage, yet unfortunately ignored by the mainstream autumnal attention. Sweet potatoes, arugula, sweet potato greens, and wild mushrooms, are just a few.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The fruit you’ve been dreaming of during every summer cookout is finally at area farmers tailgate markets: watermelon. Multiple melons have made their debut of the season this past week!