ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - July 28, 2023

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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Produce variety at farmers markets continues to grow each week! Last week, we saw the arrival of peppers, as well as corn, watermelon, okra, and more! Look for poblano, bell, shishito, sweet, Anaheim, cayenne, and Italian frying pepper varieties at markets this week, and test out some new summer recipes. 

A classic way to enjoy summer peppers is by making a homemade salsa! Anaheim peppers complement this tomatillo salsa recipe that will surely become a summer staple in your home. To a baking tray, add one pound of tomatillos (husks removed), three Anaheim peppers, two onions, and three garlic cloves, then roast at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn on the broiler for a few minutes in the end to add a more smoky flavor to the salsa. After the roasted ingredients have cooled, remove any skins, stems and seeds. Transfer ingredients to a blender or food processor, and process until the desired consistency is reached. Add a handful of cilantro, the juice of one lime, and half a teaspoon of salt. Blitz a few more time. Enjoy your salsa with tortilla chips or served with tacos. You can find Anaheim peppers from Sleight Family Farm : [link removed] (North Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]) and tomatillos from Gaining Ground Farm : [link removed] (River Arts District : [link removed] and North Asheville markets) or Maypop Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City Market : [link removed]). 

Romesco is a textured sauce made with roasted red bell peppers with a nutty, sweet, and smoky flavor. Spread romesco over toast, fold into pasta, or use as a dip for chips and veggies! To make romesco sauce, start by heating a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil in a small pot over low heat. Add 10 cloves of crushed garlic and a tablespoon of tomato paste, then cook for about five minutes. Stir in three-quarters teaspoon each of salt and red pepper flakes, half a teaspoon each of smoked paprika and ground black pepper, and half a cup of crushed tomatoes. Stir for a few minutes until warmed through, then remove from heat. Stir in one cup of chopped, roasted red bell pepper, half a slice of toasted, chopped sourdough bread, a teaspoon of honey, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Add a quarter cup each of toasted almonds and toasted hazelnuts to a food processor, and pulse until finely ground. Add the cooled pepper and tomato mixture, then continue to blend until smooth. You can find bell peppers from Olivette Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City and East Asheville : [link removed] markets).

Rajas con crema is a classic Mexican recipe that combines roasted poblano peppers, corn, and a creamy white sauce. Enjoy as a taco filling, served over rice, or by itself as a side. Start by roasting three poblano peppers at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. Cut the peppers into strips once cooled. Add two tablespoons of butter and half of a large white onion, sliced into strips, to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté until the onion starts to soften. Add two minced garlic cloves and roasted poblano strips, then cook for another two minutes. Add one cup of fresh corn kernels, a teaspoon of chicken bullion powder, and half a teaspoon of black pepper, and mix well. Lower heat slightly, then add four ounces of cream cheese and one cup of Mexican crema or sour cream. Mix well and cook for about five minutes until the cream starts to bubble. Finally, add one cup of shredded mozzarella or Monterey jack cheese, cover the pot and turn off heat. Let sit covered until the cheese is melted. You can find poblano peppers for this recipe from Highgate Farm : [link removed] (Black Mountain : [link removed], River Arts District and West Asheville : [link removed] markets).

At farmers markets now you’ll also find tomatoes, blackberries, blueberries, summer squash, potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, beets, radishes, mushrooms, and greens like lettuce, kale, and bok choy. Markets are also stocked with a variety of plants, 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 ASAP

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appalachiangrown.org : [link removed] | asapconnections.org : [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.
 

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7/30
Forest Farming Tour : [link removed]
 

8/10
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center Field Day 2023 : [link removed]
 

8/17
2023 ASAP Agritourism Workshop : [link removed]

8/19
Trial to Table – Summer Celebration : [link removed]

8/27
HarvestFest : [link removed]

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

News from ASAP

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Olivette Community's HarvestFest Is Aug. 27
 
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Local Food and Farms in the News

Noble Cider won a top award at the sixth annual Cidercraft Awards with a beverage crafted from locally grown apples, reports the Mountain Xpress : [link removed]. The cider was a long time in the making. Says Lewis Creek Farm's Trey Enloe, “The initial grafting and propagating of these apple varieties took two years in the nursery, and then after being transplanted to the orchard, it was another three years before they started to bear fruit. It took a lot of experimentation.”

WLOS : [link removed] featured the hops grown by the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, which have been used by some local brewers. "To me, they have more of a noble character as a brewer. And so when I’m brewing with them, I’m looking at brewing lagers and I’m looking at brewing farmhouse beers that they really shine in," Sideways Farm & Brewing's Jon Schneider said.


The blog About Asheville : [link removed] included ASAP in a roundup of local nonprofits and how readers can support them. "As a volunteer, you can help by assisting in the office, supporting farmer clients, helping at the farmers’ market, working with kids, and so much more. If you’re passionate about farming or great sustainable local food, this could be a great fit for you!" they wrote. (Sign up to volunteer for ASAP's Farm Tour, Sept. 23-24, here! : [link removed])



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

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