Asparagus has arrived at farmers markets for spring! Asparagus packs a lot of nutrition, including Vitamin A, potassium, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. This culinary staple can be cooked in many ways, including a delicious pasta primavera. Did you know that primavera means spring in Italian? What better way to kick off the season than a classic, flavorful dish that encapsulates spring? Look for asparagus at McConnell Farms (North Asheville Tailgate Market). 
 
To begin, you will need to boil a large pot of salted water over medium heat. While the water is coming to a boil, start slicing up snow peas and asparagus stems into one-four-inch- thick pieces. Leave asparagus tips whole. Once sliced, melt 1 tablespoon of butter into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your snow peas and asparagus. If you want more flavor, add any spring alliums, such as sliced scallions, garlic, spring onions, chives, shallots, or leeks to the mix. Cook vegetables 3-4 minutes or until all the vegetables are slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 
 
Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente (1-3 minutes for fresh pasta, more for dried pasta). Drain pasta and transfer into the vegetables. On low-heat, add two-thirds of a cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, half a cup of crème fraîche and three tablespoons of finely chopped herbs (such as dill, parsley, and fennel) with the pasta and vegetables. Once all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, serve and enjoy! You can find all your vegetables and herbs from Flying Cloud Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market), Smallholding Farm (East Asheville Tailgate Market), and Wicked Fresh Gardens (Asheville City Market). 
 
Want to add more protein? You can add chicken, shrimp to the mix or even mushrooms such as portobello, chanterelle, morels, porcini, and black trumpets. Look for chicken from Wild East Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market) or Dillingham Family Farm (Weaverville Tailgate Market). Mushrooms can be found from Black Trumpet Farm (River Arts District and North Asheville markets), Forest Farmacy (Asheville City Market), and Ivy Creek Family Farm (North Asheville and Weaverville markets).
 
Farmers markets now also have greens, broccoli, beets, sweet potatoes, radishes, cabbages, and more! Markets are stocked with a variety, rice, pasta, pastries, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region, including spring hours, in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.