Quarantine is taking its toll on all of us. It’s hard to remain cheerful, productive, and even at little bit at peace with life feeling perpetually on hold. We’re not saying that strawberries are going to solve this. But we really think they might help a little.
strawberries
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
These are giddy days at farmers tailgate markets. New summer produce is popping up everywhere, and there is a joyful sense of abundance. (Or an overwhelming experience, if you’re trying to decide what to buy first!)
This past week saw the first pints of early-season blueberries, including from Gibson Berry Farm and Flying Cloud Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market) and Ivy Creek Family Farm (Weaverville Tailgate Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market). Cherries, too, made their first appearance, from Lyda and Sons Orchard (Weaverville Tailgate Market) and Full Sun Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market). Pies are certainly the iconic way to enjoy these summertime berries, but they can also pair extremely well with the vegetables sitting alongside them.
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 bouts of sunshine and rain we’ve seen through the past week, farmers tailgate markets should be popping with produce and blooms this week. Mother’s Day is Sunday, so make that part of your Friday afternoon or Saturday morning shopping plan. Even if you’re a mid-week market-goer, our guess is that Mom would be happy to be showered in local food love any day of the week.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Strawberries and rhubarb—we look forward to the classic pairing each spring. But this week we’re thinking beyond the pies and syrups to bring you some savory (or at least a bit less sweet) preparation ideas.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Though summer fruits may be the most varied and abundant, autumn fruits are wonderfully crisp, and bursting with flavor!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Despite the whispers and hints of fall in the early mornings and evenings, it’s certainly still summer at area farmers tailgate markets. This means there’s plenty of summer goodies like peppers, melons, figs, grapes, and other warm weather favorites.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The weather this year has not been kind to fruit. Late frosts in spring, hailstorms, and weeks of temporary drought followed by daily thunderstorms have left fruit altered in some cases, and limited their availability in others.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Finally, almost all of the summer’s favorite fruits can be found at area farmers tailgate markets. July is the height, the heart, and the heat of the growing season, bringing with it so much beautiful abundance.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Strawberries, greens, turnips, radishes and more continue to cover farmers tables at area tailgate markets. There’s more than just produce, also look out for meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, baked goods, and crafts. And, as spring markets get rolling, meet more growers and producers and build relationships to foster throughout the season.