ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - March 1, 2024

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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Among the plethora of root crops, squash, and leafy greens you can find at farmers markets during the winter, there’s still some less commonly used (yet still delicious) produce in the mix that you can try experimenting with this season. Try testing out some new recipes including kohlrabi or radicchio this week! 

If you like cruciferous veggies like cauliflower or brussels, you’ll definitely be a fan of kohlrabi as well! One of the lesser-used of the winter produce, this odd-looking vegetable has a similar flavor and sweetness to broccoli, with a bit of the peppery spice akin to turnips or radishes. Kohlrabi is more versatile than you’d think. This veggie can be enjoyed raw when shaved or shredded into a salad or coleslaw. Or you can cook kohlrabi by roasting, steaming, boiling or frying it! An easy and delicious way to prepare kohlrabi if you’re new to the vegetable is by making kohlrabi fries! Start by peeling and cutting one large (or two small) kohlrabi into matchstick shapes. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the kohlrabi sticks with two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon each of garlic powder and smoked paprika, then half a teaspoon each of cumin and salt. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, evenly spread out the kohlrabi. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Enjoy your kohlrabi fries with this delicious three-ingredient sauce, combining one cup of plain yogurt, two or three tablespoons of dijon mustard, and a teaspoon or two (depending on how much spice you’d like) of sriracha or harissa. You can find kohlrabi from vendors like Highgate Farm : [link removed] at Asheville City : [link removed] and River Arts District : [link removed] markets. 

We’re all familiar with kale, spinach, swiss chard, and cabbage, but another vegetable that is usually plentiful at winter markets is radicchio! Recognize this veggie by its wine-red leaves patterned with streaks of white. Radicchio has a distinctive bitter, spicy flavor that works well when paired with sweet or acidic ingredients in a dish. Radicchio can be enjoyed raw in a salad or a wrap, but also takes on a delicious, more mellowed flavor when cooked. This radicchio slaw is a simple and flavorful way to use radicchio this week. Start by pulling off the larger outer leaves, then cut the remaining leaves into small ribbons. Using a peeler, slice one large carrot into ribbons. Mix together the radicchio and carrots in a mixing bowl, along with half a can of chickpeas. In a separate bowl, whisk together a quarter cup of rice wine vinegar, two tablespoons of whole grain mustard, and two teaspoons of honey. Drizzle the dressing over the veggie mixture and toss to coat. Garnish with a sprinkle of hemp seeds, and enjoy this delicious side dish! This radicchio slaw also tastes great in tacos or added to a sandwich! You can find radicchio from vendors like Smallholding Farm : [link removed] at Weaverville Tailgate Market : [link removed]. 

Don’t forget about other winter stalwarts to include in your cooking this week like beets, sweet potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, cabbages, and more! You can also find the very first strawberries of the season from McConnell Farms at the North Asheville Tailgate Market. 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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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] Thank You for a Successful Business of Farming Conference!
Our annual Business of Farming Conference is always an incredible exchange of energy, information, connections, experience, aspirations—and food! Thank you to everyone involved—attendees, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, caterers, volunteers, and ASAP staff and board.

If you missed the conference, or just weren't able to attend all the sessions you wanted, presentations from most of the workshops posted here : [link removed]. The free digital version of ASAP's Farmer Toolkit : [link removed] is another great starting point for your farm business.

Local Food and Farms in the News

AVL Today : [link removed] highlighted CSA Month (Feb. 15-March 15) and ASAP's upcoming CSA Fair on March 8 at the YWCA of Asheville. "Buncombe has a bounty," of CSAs, they write, "so there is a lot to choose from around here—like produce from Olivette Farm, meats from Hickory Nut Gap, or even flowers from Blazing Star."


A new bagel and bialy microbakery will pop up at Weaverville Tailgate Market this Wednesday and March 20, reports the Mountain Xpress : [link removed]. Co-owners Emily Baron and Matt Lee use locally milled flour and are collaborating with New Stock Pantry on scratch-made schmears.



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

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