Summer is in full swing here, and just in time for early July, our farmers markets are bursting with color, flavor, and local goodness. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a picnic under the fireworks, or simply savoring the season, now’s the time to stock up on juicy peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. With
Just like black beans and lentils, green beans are legumes, which means they are packed full of plant proteins and nutritious fiber. But unlike those dried beans, we eat them fresh and consume the whole pod. You can find green beans in season in the summertime, along with sweet corn and tomatoes. While many consider
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
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
With the Autumn equinox just a week away, we’ll start to see less of some of our favorite summer produce, and make way for a new fall harvest! While tomatoes, peppers, okra and melons are on their way out of markets, there’s plenty of delicious recipes to preserve these cherished seasonal fruits and veggies. Tomatoes
Okra has made its long-awaited return to farmers markets! Okra has long been a staple among Southern cooking, and although the vegetable can be a bit polarizing outside the South, it is a cherished piece of the region’s history. You can find okra this week from Gaining Ground Farm, Flying Cloud Farm (North Asheville and
Produce variety at farmers markets continues to grow each week! Last week, we saw the arrival of peppers, as well as corn, watermelon, okra, and more! Look for poblano, bell, shishito, sweet, Anaheim, cayenne, and Italian frying pepper varieties at markets this week, and test out some new summer recipes. A classic way to enjoy
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
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
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