ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - February 23, 2024

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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Although Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring, our farmers markets will continue to run on their winter schedules till the end of March. As winter temps swing up and down, winter markets offer an array of goods that can be used for cozy meals.

What better way than with a hearty, filling shepherd’s pie? This is a classic comfort dish that makes even better leftovers. While traditionally a meat dish with beef or lamb, you can cram this full of winter veggies like carrots, turnips, or kohlrabi. You’ll also want to pick up onions, garlic, snow peas, and potatoes. Not a meat-eater? Just use a variety of mushrooms for that umami flavor. (Look for lion’s mane, shiitake, oyster, and more from Black Trumpet Farm : [link removed] at River Arts District : [link removed] and North Asheville : [link removed] markets or The Forest Farmacy : [link removed] at Asheville City Market : [link removed].)

First, you’ll preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a medium saucepan, cover potatoes with water. Season with a tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 12 to 15 minutes (or until the potatoes are fork-tender). Drain the potatoes and set aside in colander. In the same medium saucepan, mash the potatoes with butter, milk, and salt. You can add herbs like dill, rosemary, or thyme to match your personal flavor preference. 

Now that you’ve made the mashed potatoes, it’s time to cook your meat. You can find grass-fed beef from Crow Fly Farms : [link removed] and Dry Ridge Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City Market) or Dillingham Family Farm : [link removed] (Weaverville Tailgate Market : [link removed]). If you prefer lamb, look for it from Sugar Hollow Farm : [link removed] (River Arts District Farmers Market). In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add one pound of ground meat. Cook until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. 

Add diced veggies, including onion, carrots, garlic, mushrooms, and whatever else you’d like to include, and cook for a few more minutes. Drain the fat and add two cups of broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable), two tablespoons tomato paste, and herbs (such as rosemary or thyme). Simmer until the juices thicken, then add a handful of  thinly sliced snow peas. Transfer the meat and veggie mixture to a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown. Remove from the oven and wait 5 to 10 minutes to cool down before serving your shepherd’s pie. 

At winter markets now you’ll also find radishes, cabbage, kale, salad greens, winter squash, and sweet potatoes. Markets are also stocked with a variety, rice, pasta, pastries, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region, including winter hours, 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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2/24
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ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference : [link removed] : [link removed]

Soil building/Soil life/living soil : [link removed]
 

3/5
Introduction to Pollinators : [link removed]
 

3/8
ASAP’s CSA Fair : [link removed]

3/9
FREE Spring Seed Starting Workshop and Potluck : [link removed]

3/12
Newsletter Marketing for Farmers : [link removed] REAP Grants to Fund Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements : [link removed]

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

News from ASAP

: [link removed] Farms Announced for CSA Fair March 8 

Come chat with these farms at ASAP's CSA Fair March 8, 3-5:30pm at the YWCA of Asheville! Find out more about the farms and the fair. : [link removed]
A Way of Life Farm : [link removed] Star Flowers : [link removed] Fly Farms : [link removed] Farm : [link removed] Nut Gap : [link removed] Holler Farm : [link removed] Farm : [link removed] Seeds Farm : [link removed] Farmer & Chef : [link removed] Farms : [link removed] and Farms in the News

Mountain Xpress : [link removed] with ASAP about the CSA Fair coming up March 8. “CSAs have a lot of advantages,” said Sarah Hart, ASAP’s communications and engagement director. “Some of the biggest are getting the best products, the chance to build community and challenging yourself to try new things and cook healthier meals. CSA customers are absolutely getting the freshest produce and often get first pick for popular seasonal items over farmers market customers. You really get to make a personal connection with the farmer who grows your food.”



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

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