A colorful mix of new potatoes are overflowing at Buncombe County farmers markets. Harvested earlier in the season before they develop their thick and protective exterior, new potatoes are extra sweet and creamy, cook faster, and have thin and tender skins making them the perfect star for many summer dishes—including a breakfast hash, herby mashed … Read more
Tomatoes are beginning their first appearances at Buncombe County farmers markets. Tomatoes come in almost endless varieties and are champions of versatility! With so many options to choose from and plenty of ways to utilize them in your cooking, tomatoes will be on your shopping list at farmers markets for the rest of summer through … Read more
With a heat wave gripping most of the Eastern United States this week, it’s too hot to cook! Luckily, we’re entering the season of chilled soups and gazpacho. These dishes are essentially vegetable smoothies to eat from a bowl—or even drink from a glass if you prefer! They require no heat to prepare, but pack … Read more
Zucchini and yellow squash season is only just getting started, but we can’t help but get excited about these as the start to summer produce. The tender baby varieties that are available right now are great for eating raw in pasta or salad. Look for summer squash from Full Sun Farm (North Asheville and River … 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
As spring creeps in, farmers markets will start to have new vegetables that invite shoppers to try something new. Spring alliums—including scallions, spring onions, and green garlic—are among the first to mark the new season! These versatile vegetables lend a fresh, peppery flavor and can spice up almost any dish. Stir fry is a classic … Read more
Winter produce is still abundant at farmers markets. While we wait for spring fruits and veggies, there’s still time to explore new recipes with winter’s bounty! Try making this delicious “green” shakshuka recipe with winter greens and veggies like chard, broccoli, and kale. Or use some of this season’s winter squash for a nourishing curry … Read more
Among the plethora of root crops, squash, and leafy greens you can find at farmers markets during the winter, there’s still some less commonly used (yet still delicious) produce in the mix that you can try experimenting with this season. Try testing out some new recipes including kohlrabi or radicchio this week! If you like … Read more
With the Spring Equinox only a month away, and the tease of warmer weather over the past few weeks, we find ourselves yearning for winter to be over! While we still have several weeks left of freezing morning temperatures and potential cold snaps, winter farmers markets have a variety of colorful and nutritious veggies to … Read more
After weekend market closures, freezing temperatures and even some snow last week, we’re all itching to get back to our regularly scheduled farmers markets for some fresh, local produce! One veggie (or fungi, rather) you’ll be able to find year-round, no matter the temperature, are mushrooms! Local mushroom growers and cultivators are plentiful at winter … Read more