We’re in the midst of Hanukkah now, and whether or not you celebrate the Festival of Lights, you might draw inspiration from some of its traditional dishes as you do your farmers tailgate market shopping this week.
potatoes
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
If you’ve been hunkered down all week wondering if or when our country would erupt into violence, heading out to a farmers tailgate market might be the healthiest thing you can do for yourself. First of all, markets are outdoor environments and all that fresh air and sunlight can help clear your head. Second, even in the age of coronavirus and a divisive election, markets offer community and fellowship. Finally, and most obviously, shopping at market literally nourishes yourself and your family.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
We’re finally in for some colder nights this coming week, so it’s a good time to stock up on stew ingredients to fortify you against the chill. Whether your preferred simmering method involves an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or good, old-fashioned Dutch oven, your first step is to gather everything you can at a winter farmers tailgate market. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
For a stress-free Thanksgiving, making a plan and doing as much prep work in advance is the way to go. That means you should start your farmers tailgate market list now, and even get some of the shopping out of the way, rather than wait for the mad rush on the final pre-holiday weekend. (Although if you do find you need to do some last-minute shopping, West Asheville Tailgate Market is open on Tuesday and River Arts District Farmers Market is open on Wednesday the week of Thanksgiving.)
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The first tomatoes have arrived at farmers tailgate markets! If you acted quickly this past week, you may have snagged an early variety from Thatchmore Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market), Full Sun Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market), Olivette Farm, or Headwaters Market Garden (both at Asheville City Market).
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
There’s at least one hue of every color represented at area farmers tailgate markets. Farmers’ booths are vibrant and polychromatic. There’s a saying that goes: “Eat your colors.” Variety in the colors of your diet, may or may not live up to this advice, but it sure will make your fridge drawers look beautiful!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Routines make up our lives. Some routines are daily, others weekly. For many, visiting indoor winter tailgate markets is part of their regular, Saturday routine. What these routines look like vary by individual and family, but one routine might look something like this:
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
With all the dry weather throughout the summer, farmers were hoping for rain, but as the adage goes, “be careful what you wish for.” Farmers have not been affected uniformly by the heavy rains that hit the region last week; each farm has different soil type, elevation/gradient of their fields, microclimate (which affected how much rain they got), and growing practices (raised beds, tunnels, etc). The variation in produce affected by the rain at area farmers tailgate markets this week will vary from farm to farm.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Going to area farmers tailgate markets is more than just “going shopping.” The market can be an event — wonderful music, catching up with old friends, and connecting with folks that grow our food — a festive way to celebrate life, food, and our vibrant communities.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This week
The first of the outdoor farmers tailgate markets are springing up left and right! With these markets, we can reconnect with community members we might not have seen all winter, find delectable farm fresh foods, and encounter beautiful flowers, crafts, plant starts, and more!