Maybe it’s just February vibes or because we’re already thinking about Super Bowl snacks, but we have chili on the brain. If slow-cooking a piece of meat sounds good to you, too, winter farmers markets are a great place to start! We have a few variations on the chili theme below—including a non-meat option that still hits that same comfort-food note.
winter squash
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
As we wait to see how last week’s snow storm will affect field crops and hoop houses, now might be a good time to explore some of the storage veggies at winter farmers markets, like sweet potatoes, cabbage, and winter squash. We have a couple of ideas to make the most of the winter squash varieties still available from several farms—including butternut from Sleight Family Farm, kabocha from Lee’s One Fortune Farm, and acorn from Highgate Farm. Look for Sleight at ASAP Farmers Market, Highgate at River Arts District Farmers Market, and the Lees at both markets.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Farmers, even in the best of times, experience setbacks. Many farms in our region are grappling with enormous loss due to Tropical Storm Fred. Meanwhile, a series of late frosts in April significantly damaged apples and other fruit this year. The effects of these events might not be felt at farmers markets immediately, but you’ll see fewer of your favorite crops come fall and winter. Check in with your farmers and continue to support them by shopping for what is available. If you’re looking for ways to directly help fams impacted by Tropical Storm Fred, you can donate to ASAP’s Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund. This fund provides immediate needs grants to farmers impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies. Find out more at asapconnections.org/farmer-relief-fund.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Maybe you’re still happily eating leftover pumpkin pie for every meal (no judgement). But chances are you need to restock your fridge to make a few lighter, healthier meals this week—say, salad. Fall greens are abundant at farmers markets right now, so there’s no need for these meals to be boring!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Halloween festivities are a bit different this year, given that most events that draw crowds have been canceled or reimagined. But there are a few chances to show off your costume at Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets today and tomorrow. You can also pick up ingredients for sweet and salty treats and fun kitchen activities to make together at home with your family or close friends.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall,” wrote Oscar Wilde, and that feels especially true this year. This past week’s cooler temperatures have brought the threat of frost to some of the higher-elevation farms in our region. While farmers tailgate markets have been seeing the transition to autumn for the past several weeks, suddenly cooler-weather crops are taking center stage. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are all still available, but in shorter supply. Here are a few things to start looking for instead.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Believe it or not, winter squash—butternut, delicata, kabocha, and more—is starting to show up on local farmers’ social media feeds. August is always a funny time of year. We’re still anticipating some of summer’s best treats (watermelon!), even as the first few autumnal crops make their way to farmers tailgate markets.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Discovering a new, unfamiliar, or unique product at market can make us feel like explorers seeing new lands for the first time on what would otherwise be a regular weekday afternoon or Saturday morning. Area farmers tailgate markets are full of fantastic and often uncharted culinary adventures.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
In the cold winter weather, it’s so wonderful to shop for local produce in a cozy environment. But it’s not too cozy, it’s still exciting — from week to week, there are differences in markets that keep them new and fresh. Some vendors come, some go, some visit every other week, and which products they have for purchase and sample ebb and flow. Don’t take my word for it — visit a market this Saturday (and then again, next Saturday), and see for yourself.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Holiday shopping is down to the wire. Still haven’t found the perfect gift? Don’t fret, just stop by area farmers tailgate markets this week! Here are some highlights of what you might find for your weekly food list and gift ideas, which may even overlap.