A warm weather spell is coming to the mountains, and while spring is not yet here, there are still plenty of farm-fresh products for sale at winter tailgate farmers markets. What can you find? How about turnips, cabbage, apples, sweet potatoes, eggs, red beets, goat cheese, baked goods, local meat, and more!
turnips
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Noticing that markets don’t look the same as they did this time last May? It’s true. Warm weather accelerated the harvest last year, while a cooler spring and recent heavy rains are delaying things a bit now. But rest assured, more produce is coming—more options and larger quantities!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Potatoes are sure to be plentiful at area farmers tailgate markets this week. After all, it is officially Get Local potato month! But we’re not talking about the average russet…
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Thanksgiving is the ultimate meat (or meat-alternative!) and potatoes meal, and who says spuds can’t be the star? Area farmers tailgate markets have the varieties you need to make the quintessential side stand out—whether you plan to mash, roast, or bake.
Look for fingerling potatoes, including the chef-favorite Russian Banana. These yellow banana-shaped ‘taters are known for their firm texture that holds up well to boiling, baking, and beyond. Also look for Green Mountain potatoes, spotted recently from Full Sun Farm at Montford Farmers Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market. Green Mountain was once the country’s most-popular baking potato, before the Russet took over the top spot. While only a few farmers grow the variety now, Full Sun promises that its unique buttery flavor is still the same.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
It’s a pearfect week to pick up pears at area farmers markets! Asian pears have been spotted at tailgates around the region. They’re crisp (hence their nickname ‘apple pear’), juicy, and slightly sweet. They’re a tad tart, too, especially near their cores. Look for additional varieties in the coming weeks, and keep your eye out for vendor Fresh Pearspective to join Asheville City Market—and likely more markets—through the end of September. Last year, they offered both Bosch and Seckel pears.