ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - May 17, 2024

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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We’re coming into the height of spring produce—and even getting the first glimpse of summer—at farmers markets now. Cucumbers, sugar snap peas, and spring onions are all available now. Plus, farms continue to offer the best of spring strawberries, spinach, chard, tender lettuces, arugula, radishes, beets, salad turnips, mushrooms and more. 
 

Look for sugar snap peas in green—and even purple!—from Headwaters Market Garden : [link removed] (Asheville City Market : [link removed]) and Highgate Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City, West Asheville : [link removed], and River Arts District : [link removed]). You can also find snow peas and pea tendrils from Lee’s One Fortune Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City, Black Mountain : [link removed], West Asheville, River Arts District, andEast Asheville : [link removed]). Snow and snap peas can be used interchangeably in recipes, but the plumper sugar snaps are true to their name and a bit sweeter for fresh snacking. Try thinly slicing snap peas on the bias and tossing them with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and cracked pepper for a refreshing spring salad. Add herbs (like mint, parsley, or dill) and top with fresh goat cheese if you want. 
 

For an early taste of summer, see if you can grab some of the first cucumbers from Headwaters Market Garden as well as Thatchmore Farm : [link removed] (West Asheville and North Asheville : [link removed] markets). Cucumbers are particularly tasty as a spicy marinated salad. For an extra kick, pick up some chili oil or chili crisp, available for several market vendors, including J Chong Eats (North : [link removed] and East Asheville markets), Better Thymes (Asheville City, North Asheville, Black Mountain, River Arts District, and East Asheville markets), and Spice Witch (Asheville City Market). For the dressing, combine three tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari, two tablespoons of rice vinegar, one tablespoon of brown sugar, and one teaspoon of sesame oil. Finely dice a small head of green garlic or one large garlic clove. Toss the cucumbers in the dressing, then top with sesame seeds and chili crisp. If you prefer, add cubes of tofu or chicken for more protein.
 

True spring onions are distinct from scallions or green onions with a more bulbous root end. Because these young onions haven’t been dried for storage, they are milder than their full-grown counterparts. Spring onions are fantastic grilled or roasted whole. Drizzle them with olive oil and grill for about five minutes on each sides. You can also use a cast iron pan, but might need to adjust your time. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Look for spring onions from Full Sun Farm : [link removed] at North Asheville and River Arts District markets. 
 

In addition to spring fruits and veggies, markets offer an abundance of farm-fresh eggs and meats, including chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. You can also get bread, cheese, pastries, fermented products, drinks, prepared foods, and more. 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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5/18
The Utopian Seed Project – Trial to Table Series : [link removed]
 

5/26
No Till Market Garden Intensive : [link removed]

6/11-6/13
AgLaunch Cultivate Appalachia Bootcamp for Agri-Food and AgTech Startups : [link removed]

6/13
Paperpot Co Demonstration and Workshop : [link removed]

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

News from ASAP

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Job Posting: Local Food Campaign Program Coordinator
 
ASAP is hiring a full time Program Coordinator for our Local Food Campaign. The Program Coordinator will assist in the development and implementation of farm and partner services and programming as part of the Local Food Campaign team. This includes in-office operational support, outreach and engagement, training, and events. View the full job description and application instructions. : [link removed] Deadline to apply is June 16, 2024.

Local Food and Farms in the News

Mountain Xpress : [link removed] digs into  food insecurity in Western North Carolina. Nicole Hinebaugh, project director at MountainWise referred to a recent community food assessment in Swain, Jackson, and Macon counties. “It was shocking,” she says. “Previously, when you looked at community health assessments in our region, rates of hunger in these counties are in the single digits. That’s not the case anymore.” The article also points to several successful projects, including the Swain-Macon Produce Rx, on which ASAP serves as a partner.



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

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