Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

oyster mushrooms

Mushrooms are a year-round staple at most farmers markets. If you find yourself growing tired of winter greens and root crops this time of year, trying a new mushroom variety might be the perfect way to switch up your local shopping! Vendors like The Forest Farmacy and Stump Farms at Asheville City Market and Black

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

eggs

Make sure to get any local ingredient shopping for holiday meals done this week, as farmers tailgate markets will be taking a break Dec. 22 to Jan. 3. Your last chances to shop are this Saturday (Asheville City Market, 9 to noon, and North Asheville Tailgate Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Tuesday (West Asheville

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

carrots, turnips, beets

Still trying to figure out what to cook friends and family for Thanksgiving this year? Try putting a spin on ordinary Thanksgiving sides with local produce from farmers tailgate markets! Despite some below freezing temperatures last week, there are still plenty of fresh vegetables at markets to use in your holiday cooking.  This grain-free veggie

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

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

Lion's Mane mushrooms

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.

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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.

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Mushroom Shrimp Pasta

lion's mane mushrooms

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

Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week

chestnut mushrooms from Black Trumpet Farm, photo by Camilla Calnan

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.

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Plant-Based Tacos

purple cabbage

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

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