It’s officially pear season in North Carolina! Asian pears are coming in at farmers markets, so be sure to grab some while they’re here. Their sweet, refreshing flavor and crisp texture make for the perfect late-summer snack. Unlike other common pears like barletts, Asian pears should be firm to the touch and crunchy like a granny smith apple. You can find Asian pears from McConnell Farms (North Asheville Tailgate Market), Lee’s One Fortune Farm (West Asheville, River Arts District, East Asheville, Black Mountain and Asheville City markets), Creasman Farms (West Asheville, North Asheville, Asheville City, and Black Mountain markets), and Windy Hollow Farm (Weaverville Tailgate Market).
Of course you can slice your Asian pears on a cutting board and eat them as is, but if you want to level up a coleslaw add some Asian pears. With cabbage found at nearly every Buncombe county market right now, this slaw recipe is the perfect combination of crunchy and sweet and pairs well with any Asian-inspired dish. To make the dressing in a small bowl, whisk together a half-inch knob of finely grated ginger, two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, one tablespoon of sesame oil, one tablespoon of soy sauce, and two tablespoons of rice vinegar. In a separate bowl, combine half a julienned cabbage, two peeled and julienned large Asian pears, one-half cup of shredded carrots, one-fourth cup of finely chopped cilantro leaves, and two thinly sliced green onions. Stir the dressing into the remaining ingredients, sprinkle in some sesame seeds and serve! If you would prefer this slaw recipe with a little more spice, add in one finely chopped Thai chili pepper.
For a dessert rendition that screams “fall is coming,” try an Asian pear crisp. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease your baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together one cup of oats, one-half cup of all purpose or gluten free flour, and one-half of brown sugar. Cut one-half cup of butter into small pieces and mix it into the dry ingredients until clumpy. Peel, core, and slice the pears into your preferred size and mix them in a separate bowl with one-half teaspoon of cinnamon and three tablespoons of either sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Pour the pear mixture into your baking dish and sprinkle with the crumble topping over the pears. Bake for 30-35 minutes and enjoy.
Also spotted at markets in recent weeks: tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, cucumbers, summer squash, okra, beets, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, kohlrabi, green beans, kale, swiss chard, mushrooms, eggplant, okra, potatoes, onions, scallions, peaches, plums, nectarines, melons, early apples, sweet corn, winter squash and fresh herbs. 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, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region, including hours and location, in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.
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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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Reminder that coming up this Sunday from 3pm - 6pm is the 3rd Annual HarvestFest at Olivette Riverside Community & Farm. This special family-friendly event celebrates local farmers, community and music while fundraising for ASAP's Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program.
Doors open at 3pm and farmers and their families get in free! Come for games, activities, live music by Chatt Hills Music, and a raffle. Get your tickets and find more information here. |
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