Summer is right around the corner, and as temperatures rise, we’re seeing more and more warm weather produce at markets! This week, look for garlic scapes, summer squash, and some of the first cherries of the year! 
 
If you’re not familiar with garlic scapes, they are the tender stem and bulb of hard-necked garlic plants. The flavor of garlic scapes can best be described as a blend of onion, scallions, and garlic, and has a texture similar to that of asparagus. They can be grilled, sauteed, pickled, dried, or even blended and incorporated into a compound butter! However, our favorite way to use garlic scapes is in pesto sauce. Start by trimming 10 garlic scapes by cutting just below the bulb and a little bit off the end of the stems. In a blender or food processor, add the trimmed scapes, one third cup of pine nuts or roasted walnuts, one third cup of shredded parmesan cheese, a handful of fresh basil, the juice of half a lemon, and a sprinkle of salt and ground pepper. Pulse until the mixture begins to break down. Slowly start to incorporate one third cup of olive oil, and continue to process until the pesto sauce reaches your desired consistency. You can find garlic scapes from Highgate Farm (Black Mountain, River Arts District, and West Asheville markets), Olivette Farm (Asheville City and East Asheville markets), Sleight Family Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market), and more! 
 
Look out for some of the first harvests of summer squash at markets this week! While there will be plenty of this summer favorite over the next few months, celebrate its arrival by grilling some sliced zucchini squash and serving with some of that garlic scape pesto! You can find zucchini, zephyr, and patty pan squash from Full Sun Farm at North Asheville and River Arts District markets. Maypop Farm (Asheville City Market) and Highgate Farm are bringing zucchini squash to markets this week! 
 
If you’re eager to have some fresh, locally grown cherries, make sure to get to markets early this week! With a harvest window of only a few weeks in North Carolina, these stone fruits will be gone before we know it! Throw some sliced cherries into a salad with arugula, goat cheese, sliced almonds and a vinaigrette for a refreshing spring salad! The signature sweet and sour flavor of cherries also make the perfect base for any cobblers, pies, jams, or other baked goods. You can find cherries from Bright Branch Farm this week at East Asheville Tailgate Market. 
 
At farmers markets now you’ll also find strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, turnips, beets, radishes, mushrooms, and greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, and bok choy. Markets are also stocked with a variety of plant starts, 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.