Comment. Share. Connect. Join ASAP in an ongoing conversation about local food FROM HERE in the Southern Appalachians.
Springtime brings on foraging dreams for many of us—returning to your favorite ramp patch or happening upon an elusive morel deep in the woods. But if you’re not able to wander off the path in search of these delights, farmers tailgate markets can also be great places to gather wild foods, in addition to cultivated spring crops.
We’ll see a few more farmers markets opening in Buncombe County in the next two weeks, though others have announced delays. Set to open Saturday, May 2, are North Asheville Tailgate Market at UNC Asheville and Black Mountain Tailgate Market. Enka-Candler Tailgate Market will begin Thursday, May 7, at a new location at the A-B Tech Small Business Center at 1465 Sand Hill Rd. in Enka. East Asheville Tailgate Market and Riverside Tailgate Market have both delayed openings and Asheville City Market’s downtown and south locations remain closed. Find a full list of which markets are open throughout the region here.
Will you be dying eggs this weekend? More farmers tailgate markets vendors than ever are selling eggs right now, so this is a great chance to go local with your Easter, Passover, Earth Day, or other springtime celebrations. With many cartons containing a pretty mix of blue, brown, and white, you could go minimalist and skip the dye altogether. But if colored eggs are non-negotiable, we have a few food-based suggestions to avoid artificial food coloring. These dyes will work on both brown or white eggs, though the resulting color will vary.
Area farmers tailgate markets are brimming with wild, early spring delights! The first weeks of outdoor markets reflect the newness of the season, characterized by tender greens and native wild plants. Read the rest of this entry »
The first spring bounty has arrived at area farmers tailgate markets — ramps and asparagus! These veggies have long been the first signifiers of the start of the spring harvest and evoke celebration in many agrarian traditions. Both have a very short harvest period, so enjoy them while they’re here! Read the rest of this entry »
Flowers are blooming and leaves are budding at the first outdoor farmers tailgate markets of the season! This past week, Asheville City Market opened among stunning trees in full bloom, with music playing, kids frolicking, sunny skies, and many conversations full of smiles and laughter — it was a picture-perfect first market day! Read the rest of this entry »
So much is going on at area farmers tailgate markets as we get a little deeper into spring and the growing season.
Strawberries are one of the most anticipated of early spring offerings at farmers tailgate markets. And, we’re delighted to report that they are here!
Spring has arrived in the mountains! We’re welcoming spring back with outdoor farmers tailgate markets opening across the region!
Ramps fans rejoice: Harvest time is here for the region’s beloved early-spring vegetables, which are found growing wild in forests and cultivated on forestland. Their harvest is short—only two to three weeks. But, that won’t stop area Appalachian Grown™ partner restaurants from reveling in ramps this month. In fact, the Get Local celebration, like the veggies of honor, will be bold: Ramps’ flavor can be described as a mix of onion and garlic.