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Feeling a bit in the doldrums these days? Could you use good a pick-me-up? It might be time to indulge in some comfort food—particularly some super colorful superfood comfort from a winter farmers market. We’re talking about making sweet potato gnocchi.
As a new flock of hens starts to lay, their first eggs are smaller, with firmer whites and more deeply colored yolks, than regular eggs. Not to be dismissed, these pullet eggs boast a richer flavor and creamier texture. For the next few weeks, these will be the only eggs available from Dry Ridge Farm at the ASAP Farmers Market. It’s a great chance to try something truly unique to farmers markets, as grocery stores stick to uniform, regulation sizes.
If ever there was a year to channel all of your romantic energy into cooking a fancy meal at home, this is it. Get what you need on Saturday at ASAP Farmers Market or, if you want to celebrate on a different day or make a series of Valentine’s week meals, shop at River Arts District Farmers Market on Wednesday. Of course, the ideal menu is totally subjective, so adapt as you want, but here’s our take on a classic Valentine’s Day market dinner.
With regular snow dustings, we’re settling into soup season—a great time for farmers tailgate market meals. With just a few local ingredients, you can create something warm and nourishing to carry you through chilly afternoons. Add some crusty bread and a salad green mix to make a full family-sized meal.
Looking to spice up your winter farmers market shopping routine? Try microgreens! These delicate morsels pack a significant flavor punch and will be available at markets all winter. Look for them from Sleight Family Farm and Myseanica Family Farm at ASAP Farmers Market or Asheville Microgreens at River Arts District Farmers Market.
Fall begins officially next week and we’re definitely starting to feel the temperature drop. Mornings have us wanting to stay wrapped up in a blanket with a hot cup of tea. Happily, September has brought an excellent tea-making crop to area farmers tailgate markets—red Thai roselles. You can get them from Sleight Family Farm at North Asheville Tailgate Market and New Roots Market Garden at ASAP Farmers Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market.
Does having to wait make the last few fruits of summer taste all the sweeter? Find late season delights, including watermelon, cantaloupe, and figs, at farmers tailgate markets across Buncombe County.
Summer stalwarts, including new potatoes, beans, okra, and peppers, are all coming in at farmers tailgate markets now. Tomatoes and cucumbers are picking up speed and we’ll continue to see plenty of zucchini and summer squash. Plus, all the greens (dark leafies, head lettuce, and salad mixes) that have been around since spring are still going strong. You don’t have to do much to enjoy this bounty, but here are a few easy-going suggestions.
ASAP likes to share the stories of people who help us fulfill our mission. This month we’re talking to farmer Wesley Sleight of Sleight Family Farm in McDowell County. Wes works with ASAP’s Growing Minds Farm to School Program and recently joined the advisory committee for the NC Farm to Preschool Network.
As farmers market finds go, turmeric can feel like one of the more exotic ones here in Western North Carolina. The sunny yellow rhizome—a relative of ginger—is native to South Asia, but has been grown by an increasing number of farmers in our region in the past several years. It’s typically harvested in October, but you can find it right now from New Moon Herbs Farm at Asheville City Market–Winter.
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