Things are getting sweet at area farmers tailgate markets this week! Sweet corn, berries, melons, and more are sweeping vendors stalls.
Sweet corn is one of the most quintessential summer foods. Corn on the cob, corn salad, and other favorites are likely to appear at a grill near you. Many farms have sweet corn now, and more will have it in the coming weeks. Look for it from Kuster Farms (East Asheville Tailgate Market, Leicester Farmers Market), McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market- South, and North Asheville Tailgate Market), Creasman Farms (River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville City Market, Black Mountain Tailgate Market), Kay Farm (Asheville City Market), and Carringer Farms (Swain County Farmers Market, Hayesville Evening Market, and Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market).
Are you so excited about corn that you want to celebrate it with the community? You can, at the Cowee Farmers Market in Franklin, which will have a Corn and Tomato celebration on August 5. All vendors will feature corn and tomato goodies and crafts, including tomato sandwiches, and corn and tomato quiches. There will also be live music and fun for the whole family!
Some of the first melons of the season were spotted this week from Gaining Ground Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market) What kind of melons, you ask? Cantaloupes! This is just the beginning; soon we’ll have many melons at markets across the region.
Cipollini, one of the sweetest varieties of onions arrived this week. You can find them from vendors such as Mountain Harvest Organics (North Asheville Tailgate Market). Meaning “little onion” in Italian, Cipollinis have a higher sugar content than other onions, which causes them to caramelize well and reduces the harsher onion flavors.
Free Range Farm (East Asheville Tailgate Market) has wild blackberries and wineberries for sale. Both have a wonderful balance between tart and sweet flavors and make a great treat.
Can you name the farmer who grew everything on your dinner plate? The Market Meals Challenge at Asheville City Market is encouraging you to set your own personal goal this week to increase your locavore habits. At the end of the challenge on July 26, visit Asheville City Market, where you can watch cooking demos and pick up recipes straight from farmers!
For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse our online Local Food Guide or online farmers market calendar.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
