Cucumbers are in season starting in late May and typically are available throughout the summer and early fall. Cucumbers are great for staying hydrated and cool. Servings: 3-4Active time: 15 minutes | Inactive time: 1-2 hours Ingredients Directions
Shakshuka was first prepared in North Africa and the Middle East after tomatoes were introduced to the region from the Americas in the 1500s. It’s popular as a breakfast food, but it also makes an easy and satisfying vegetarian dinner. Try substituting different types of peppers you like from the farmers market to see how … Read more
Corn was domesticated by indigenous farmers of Mesoamerica as early as 8,000 years ago. The crop—known as maize—spread throughout what is now North and South America. In the Southern Appalachian region, Cherokee culture is interwoven with cultivation of corn, where it is one of the Three Sisters, typically planted with squash and beans. Servings: 6 … Read more
Paletas are Mexican-style popsicles, typically made from fresh, local fruit. You can find melons at farmers markets starting in late July through the end of summer. If you don’t have ice-pop molds, you can DIY them using small disposable cups or ice cube trays and inserting a popsicle stick. For a flavor twist, add finely … Read more
Cucumbers are abundant at farmers markets from June through October. This cool, no-cook recipe makes an easy and healthy summer meal! This recipe is adapted from Cucumber Soup by Vickie Leigh Krudwig. Servings: 3-4 Ingredients Directions
There are many types of tomatoes available at farmers markets July through September. Look for colorful heirloom varieties like Green Zebra, Mr. Stripey, or Cherokee Purple. Or substitute your favorite cherry or grape tomatoes for perfectly sized bites. Servings: 3-4 Ingredients Directions
Iris Rodriguez is the chef and co-owner of Little Chango, a Hispanic craft kitchen in Asheville’s South Slope. She was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. With a Puerto Rican father and a Cuban mother, Iris has always been passionate about Hispanic food. Her cooking style is a blend of Latinx cuisines with … Read more
Jen Pearson opened Guadalupe Cafe in Sylva, NC, in 2004 with a handful of farmer contacts and a passion for creative and delicious cuisine. “Fresh, Local, Organic” isn’t just a motto—it’s a creed. The restaurant has built relationships with local producers so that the food comes straight from their fields to the kitchen. This recipe … Read more
Eric Morris is the executive chef at Cultura and the Funkatorium by Wicked Weed Brewing, which was a semifinalist for a James Beard Award in 2020. Eric has been cooking professionally for over two decades, including as chef de cuisine for the critically acclaimed Nightbell in Asheville and Pearl & Ash in New York City. … Read more
Melinda Aponte is the nutrition coordinator for the YWCA of Asheville’s Early Learning Program. She’s worked with several local farms to provide the children with fresh, healthy meals daily. She is pictured on the left with farmer Hannah Jeske of R Farm. I’m sharing this recipe because it’s so homey. There’s something about a casserole—lasagna … Read more