ASAP's Weekly Farmers Market Report - May 19, 2023

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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Spring produce is continuing to arrive at farmers tailgate markets, and this week we’re beginning to see more of our favorite alliums, including spring onions, scallions, and even some shallots! Be on the lookout over the next few weeks for more spring favorites, as well as some early summer crops, including peas, cucumbers, summer squash, asparagus, and more! 

While quite similar in appearance, spring onions are distinct from scallions due to their larger bulbs and sweeter taste, and can be delicious when roasted whole with some olive oil, salt, and a bit of lemon juice. Scallions (or green onions), on the other hand, have the somewhat sharp, peppery flavor that is characteristic of white and yellow onions. The commonly used green tops of scallions are typically sliced and added to a dish as garnish, and the white bottom part is great for slicing and throwing into a stir fry. You can find spring onions from Ivy Creek Family Farm : [link removed] (North Asheville : [link removed] and Weaverville : [link removed] markets) and scallions from Thatchmore Farm : [link removed] (North and West Asheville : [link removed] markets). 

Gaining Ground Farm : [link removed] brought french gray shallots to the North Asheville Tailgate Market last week. Cherished for their versatility and delicate umami flavor, shallots are a staple for any chef, foodie, or home cook. Shallots can easily be enjoyed a variety of different ways, including raw, roasted, caramelized, fried, and more! This caramelized shallot dip is an easy and delicious snack. In a medium skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add four large, finely chopped shallots and season generously with salt and pepper. Stirring occasionally, cook for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and tender. In a bowl, mix together the caramelized shallots, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, one-and-a-half cups greek yogurt, and a tablespoon of sliced chives, then season with salt and pepper. Serve with your favorite chips for dipping.

In addition to the produce grown by our favorite local farmers, markets are also full of plant starts so you can grow at home as well! Now’s the time to start planting for a summer garden, and markets have plenty of plant starts for warm weather produce like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and more! Look for plant starts from vendors like Finally Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City : [link removed] and River Arts District : [link removed] markets), Full Sun Farm : [link removed] (North Asheville and River Arts District markets), Sustainabillies/Two Trees Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City Market), and more. You can also find starts for your favorite perennial berries from Bear Necessities Farm : [link removed] at Asheville City and West Asheville markets. 

At farmers markets now you’ll also find strawberries, carrots, turnips, beets, radishes, mushrooms, and greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, broccoli rabe, and bok choy. Markets are also stocked with a variety of meats, cheese, rice, pasta, bread, pastries, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide : [link removed].

Connect with Us

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appalachiangrown.org : [link removed] | fromhere.org : [link removed]
asapconnections.org : [link removed] | growing- : [link removed] : [link removed]
 
Donate to support local food, strong farms, and healthy communities today! : [link removed]
 
ASAP's mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food.

Upcoming Events

5/20
Plant Propagation Class : [link removed]

5/27
Chicken Processing Volunteer Opportunity : [link removed] Plant Sale : [link removed]

6/4
Farm to Fork Picnic : [link removed]

Find upcoming events (or post your own) at
asapconnections.org : [link removed].

News from ASAP

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Passes Are on Sale for ASAP's Farm Tour!
ASAP’s annual Farm Tour : [link removed]—held Sept. 23-24 from noon to 5 p.m. both days—is a chance to experience how food is grown and raised through guided tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and tastings. The tour is a family-friendly event and a great outing for visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. The Farm Tour showcases the diversity of working farms in Western North Carolina with produce farms, creameries, vineyards, orchards, flowers, fiber farms, livestock, and more. This year’s participating farms—all located within an hour of Asheville—will be announced in June. Passes are on sale now! : [link removed] and Farm News

Chloe Moore of Southside Community Farm is a recipient of a grant from the National Young Farmers Coalition.Young Farmer Grants are designed to provide a flexible financial boost to farmers building long-term careers in agriculture. Funding can be used for anything that furthers goals as a farmer, even for those just getting started. Read more. : [link removed]

Mountain Xpress : [link removed] profiled community volunteers for a special issue this month, including Lisa Fields, who has volunteered for ASAP for the past several years. "The greatest reward has been the relationships I have made with local farmers and the sense of community I feel when I see the people enjoying the farm tours," she says.



ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) - 306 W. Haywood Street - Asheville - NC - 28801

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