ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - September 15, 2023

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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With the Autumn equinox just a week away, we’ll start to see less of some of our favorite summer produce, and make way for a new fall harvest! While tomatoes, peppers, okra and melons are on their way out of markets, there’s plenty of delicious recipes to preserve these cherished seasonal fruits and veggies. 

Tomatoes are not only a versatile veggie to cook with, but there are endless ways you can preserve them as well! Whether you make them into a sauce, homemade ketchup, salsa, jam, or pickle them, tomatoes are easy to enjoy long after summer’s end. There’s nothing like a warm tomato soup during those colder months, so plan ahead for those winter cravings by using the last of this season’s tomatoes (along with a few other summer veggies) to make a deliciously creamy soup! On a lined baking sheet, add five pounds of chopped tomatoes and eight whole, peeled garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then roast at 425 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. While the tomatoes are roasting, in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and cook one chopped yellow onion, four celery stalks, and four carrots for about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover and remove from heat. Once tomatoes are done roasting, transfer the tomato, garlic, and the pan juice into the saucepan. Add four cups of vegetable broth, one can of full-fat coconut milk, one bunch of fresh basil, and a bit of cumin, paprika, coriander, salt and pepper to season. Blend in the pot with an immersion blender (or blend in batches in a standing blender). Enjoy a bowl of your freshly made soup, then ladle the rest into jars or quart plastic containers to freeze for up to a year! You can find tomatoes from Maypop Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City Market : [link removed]), Tiny Bridge Farm : [link removed](West Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]), and many more vendors!

Much like tomatoes, there are so many ways to enjoy peppers long after they leave markets. This simple hot pepper relish is a wonder condiment that can be enjoyed on steaks, chicken, burgers, brats, and more! Start by chopping up three cups of peppers of your choice. For a milder relish, throw in more bell or sweet peppers or, for a little more heat, use varieties like jalapeño, cayenne or serrano. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped peppers, three quarters of a cup of white wine vinegar, half a cup of sugar, two cloves of minced garlic, half of a chopped onion, two teaspoons of yellow mustard seed, and a salt to taste. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bring to a light boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately warm, or seal in a jar to save for later! This recipe will stay good for a few months when properly sealed and stored in the refrigerator, or process your relish to can it and store longer term at room temperature. You can find peppers from Olivette Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City and East Asheville : [link removed] markets), Sleight Family Farm : [link removed] (North Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]), and many more!

At farmers markets now you’ll also find corn, apples, Asian pears, eggplant, cucumbers, 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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Through 9/17
Putting Food By & Other Revolutionary Acts : [link removed]
 
9/16
Southside Pig Roast + Raffle : [link removed]
 
9/17
Sterile Mushroom Lab Techniques : [link removed]
 9/18
WNC AgOptions Information Session : [link removed] 9/19
WNC AgOptions Information Session : [link removed] 9/21WNC AgOptions Information Session : [link removed] 9/23-9/24ASAP's Farm Tour : [link removed] 9/23Rooted in Compassion: A Benefit for Elderflower Care Community : [link removed]
WNC AgOptions Information Session : [link removed]
Fall Festival and Corn Maze at Eliada Home : [link removed]
Sow & Grow Fest : [link removed]
Farm to Fork in the Garden : [link removed]

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

News from ASAP

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One Week Until ASAP's Farm Tour!
ASAP's Farm Tour : [link removed] is next Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24. Get your pass today! Passes are $35 ($45 purchased the weekend of the tour). One pass allows everyone in your vehicle to visit as many farms as you'd like, both days of the tour. Passes are only available online; there will be no cash purchases at the farms on the tour. Find out more and purchase your pass here : [link removed].

Local Food and Farms in the News

WNC Magazine : [link removed] a list of farmers markets throughout the region that stay open for the fall in its most recent issue. The article also includes small features on several of the organizations supporting farms and markets, including ASAP and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture.



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

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