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Though we’re certainly getting cold temperatures now, a warmer than usual December accounts for lots of produce variety at winter farmers markets now. In addition to storage veggies like squash and sweet potatoes, hardy greens like kale and mustard, and winter stalwarts like radishes and salad turnips, we’ve also spotted early snow peas and broccoli.
We’ll have three weekly farmers tailgate market options in Buncombe County this winter! In addition to the winter market versions of ASAP Farmers Market and River Arts District Farmers Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market will now offer a year-round shopping opportunity with an indoor market on Wednesdays at Weaverville Community Center.
Whatever holiday traditions you keep—opening gifts on Christmas morning or sleeping till noon on New Year’s Day—chances are you could use at least one great make-ahead breakfast dish in the next few weeks. You’ll need to do your local ingredient shopping this week, as farmers tailgate markets will take a hiatus between Dec. 22 and the first week in January. Two markets will continue through the winter. River Arts District Winter Farmers Market will return to Plēb Urban Winery Jan. 5 and ASAP Farmers Market will reopen at A-B Tech’s Asheville campus on Jan. 8.
Are you a DIY gift maker (or baker)? Or perhaps in need of something special to bring to a holiday gathering? Sweet treats abound this time of year, but don’t overlook the savory and snackable gift. Shopping at farmers tailgate markets can be great inspiration!
Emily Jackson, founder and director of ASAP’s Growing Minds program will retire at the end of the year. For our Faces of Local interview this month, we asked her to reflect on her time at ASAP and the growth the farm to school movement over the past two decades.
With the Thanksgiving holiday past us, Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets have shifted into holiday market gear. That means you may find changed or abbreviated hours, so double check this list or your market’s social media to confirm. You’ll also find more artisan and craft vendors and fewer produce vendors. While you can still grab what you need to prepare nourishing meals this week (including greens, root veggies, winter squash, meat, eggs, cheese, bread, and more), you might also be able to check a few items off your holiday shopping list.
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Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is not a festival of light eating. You could celebrate this holiday—which starts on Monday—with a different dish or dessert for all eight nights! Incorporate a variety of local ingredients all available now at tailgate markets throughout Buncombe County. Read the rest of this entry »
In the age-old fairy tale, turning into a pumpkin at midnight is frowned upon. This year at Thanksgiving, however, when you turn the centerpiece of your meal into a magically stuffed Cinderella pumpkin, you can be sure that your holiday guests will wonder which fairy godmother swooped in to prepare it.
ASAP likes to share the stories of people in the community who help us fulfill our mission. This month we talked to Seth Salmon, farmer and owner of Wildwood Herbal. The farm has been providing fresh produce and prepared meals for Meals on Wheels and recently became a partner in ASAP’s Appalachian Farms Feeding Families program.
This recipe comes from Events Coordinator Erica Shanks. Use your favorite local cheeses. Erica recommends Ashe County Cheddar—and making space for a long nap after eating it!