ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - May 24, 2024

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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Memorial Day marks the unofficial kickoff to summer (even if by the calendar we’re still four weeks out), and for many of us the urge to breakout the grill is strong. That doesn’t have to mean meat, though! Farmers markets have plenty of grill-ready veggies for you.

Most spring veggies, rubbed with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe some chopped herbs, grill up beautifully. The time for asparagus is fleeting, but you should still be able to get it from Root Bottom Farm : [link removed] (West Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]). Fennel, cut into halves or quarters, is fantastic grilled. Look for fennel from Wild East Farm (River Arts District Farmers Market : [link removed]) and Sleight Family Farm : [link removed] (North Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]). Hakurei turnips (the small white ones, also called salad turnips) and radishes are available from numerous produce vendors. You can grill both in foil packets or on skewers to get that charred skin. 

Garlic scapes are coming in now as well. These curlicues grow from the tops of garlic plants and have a slightly milder flavor than the bulbs. You can grill them whole and serve them as a side dish, or use them in a pesto to drizzle over everything else you have on the grill. Get scapes from Bear Necessities Farm : [link removed] (West Asheville and Asheville City : [link removed] markets), Gaining Ground Farm : [link removed] (River Arts District and North Asheville markets), and Sleight Family Farm. 

What about fruit? You can grill strawberries too! These are great drizzled with balsamic for a salad, as a secret ingredient in your barbecue sauce, or just enjoyed over ice cream. Threading the berries on water-soaked skewers will make grilling a bit easier. Find strawberries from Full Sun Farm : [link removed] and Flying Cloud Farm : [link removed] (both at North Asheville and River Arts District markets), Bear Necessities Farm, Lee’s One Fortune Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City, Black Mountain, West Asheville, River Arts District, and East Asheville : [link removed] markets), Two Stones Farm + Mill : [link removed] (North Asheville) and others. 

Just want some grill-ready meats? You have plenty to choose from, including sausages, pork chops, steaks, brisket, lamb chops, chicken, and ground meat for burgers. For chicken, look for Good Wheel Farm : [link removed] and Sugar Hollow Farm : [link removed] (both at North Asheville Tailgate Market) or Woven Roots Farmstead : [link removed] (Black Mountain Tailgate Market : [link removed]). For lamb, check out Sugar Hollow or Crow Fly Farms : [link removed] (Asheville City Market). Pork and beef are available from Dry Ridge Farm : [link removed] (West Asheville and Asheville City Market : [link removed]), Hickory Nut Gap Farm : [link removed] (North Asheville Tailgate Market), Dillingham Family Farm : [link removed] (Weaverville Tailgate Market : [link removed]), and Crow Fly Farms. Caitlyn Farms : [link removed] (Enka-Candler Farmers Market : [link removed]) has beef products.

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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5/26
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]

6/22
Introduction to Rotational Grazing Workshop : [link removed]

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

News from ASAP

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Save the Date! 
 
ASAP’s 2024 Farm Tour will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, from 12-5 p.m. both days. Passes are on sale now! : [link removed] One pass ($35 purchased in advance) admits everyone in your vehicle to all farms, both days.

ASAP’s annual Farm Tour is a chance to experience how food is grown and raised through guided tours, demonstrations, and tastings. The Farm Tour showcases the diversity of working farms in Western North Carolina, including vegetables, livestock, vineyards, orchards, flowers, fiber, and more! This is a family-friendly event and a great outing for visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. All are welcome.

Local Food and Farms in the News

Chai Pani has reopened in the former Buxton Hall BBQ space. Chef de cuisine Nick Barr will run the kitchen, as well as supplying the restaurant with local produce from his Weaverville farm, Big Ivy Little Farm. Read more in the Mountain Xpress : [link removed].

Luminosa is finally opening in Asheville's Flat Iron Hotel, with executive chef Graham House and chef de cuisine Sean McMullen at the helm. “I’m super stoked. It’s been a long time coming,” McMullen said. “Having our live fire going and being able to work with local farmers again is awesome.” Read more about the opening in the Citizen Times : [link removed].



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

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