ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - July 18, 2025

Fresh at Farmers Markets

The long-awaited and refreshing prize of mid-summer is here! Watermelon is making its first debut at Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets now. Nothing says summer quite like slicing up a deep green-rind melon and revealing the juicy and cooling pink sweetness. Like a treasure, sometimes watermelons are even orange or yellow inside! Whether you’re slicing your melons into wedges for an afternoon snack, cubing them for tasty feta salads or spicy salsas, or transforming them into chilled soups and revitalizing juices, you’ll surely be celebrating one of the most iconic flavors of summer.
 

Way back in the day–about 5,000 years ago–watermelons weren’t quite as sweet as they are now, but in the Kalahari Desert region of southern Africa, the botanical ancestors to the watermelon were prized for their drought tolerance and ability to store water. In fact, watermelons are about 92% water! As the watermelon ancestors made their way to the agricultural hub of Egypt, they were cultivated to be sweeter and sweeter. As a deeply important food and water source and an extension of cultural roots, these cultivated seeds were braided into the hair of enslaved Africans as they made the perilous and forced journey to the Americas. The first record of watermelon in North America was in (now) Florida, dating back to 1576!
 

Watermelon is delicious as is, but sometimes a sweet and cold drink is all we need to make it through a hot day. Aqua fresca is a fruity and delicious cold beverage served throughout Mexico made from fruit, water, lime juice, and a little sweetener. All you need is these ingredients and a blender! Add four cups of cubed watermelon, three cups of water, one to two tablespoons of sugar or honey, and the juice of one lime to a blender and puree until it’s smooth. Strain your mixture through a mesh sieve or find strainer to remove some pulp or seeds–this step is optional depending on your pulp preference. Adjust the sweetness as needed and serve over ice. Refrigerate and drink within 3 days for best freshness.
 

Watermelon gazpacho is a lovely variation on the ubiquitous tomato-based cold soup. Puree three pounds of watermelon, seeded, until smooth. Chop or pulse the following ingredients and stir into the watermelon puree: one small cucumber, peeled; two mild bell peppers, one red and one yellow, seeded; one spicy green pepper, such as jalapeño, seeded; three tender stalks of celery, from the inner part of the bunch; one small red onion; and half a cup of mint. Add three tablespoons of lime juice, two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and salt to taste. Chill for several hours before serving.
Find watermelons from Two Stones Farm + Mill (North Asheville : [link removed] and West Asheville : [link removed] markets) and keep your eyes peeled for more melons arriving in the coming weeks including cantaloupe, honeydew, and Asian melons from vendors like Flying Cloud Farm : [link removed], Sleight Family Farm : [link removed], and Lee’s One Fortune Farm : [link removed].
 

Be sure to catch Southside Community Farm’s BIPOC Farmers Market : [link removed] at New Belgium : [link removed], this Sunday, July 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. Support local chefs, farmers, and craftspeople of color and celebrate the summer harvest season with them! And now, if you visit the Leicester Farmers Market : [link removed] on Wednesdays, you can double your SNAP for fruits and vegetables!
 

At markets now you’ll also find eggplant along with kohlrabi, cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, beets, radishes, carrots, berries, stone fruits like cherries and plums, mushrooms, potatoes, garlic, onions, microgreens, a wide variety of tender and hearty greens, many types of fresh herbs like mint and dill, and more. 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. During springtime, find annual and perennial plant starts for your gardens along with fresh flowers. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org : [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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7/20
Locals Lowcountry Boil at Hickory Nut Gap : [link removed]
 

7/24
Oak Hill Community Farm Incubator Program Open House : [link removed]
 

8/1
2025 Southeastern Permaculture Gathering : [link removed]
 

8/7
FREE LUNCHTIME Change Your Palate Cooking Demo : [link removed]
 

8/20
FREE LUNCHTIME Change Your Palate Cooking Demo : [link removed]
 

8/22-23
Swain County Agricultural Fair : [link removed]
 

8/23
4th Annual HarvestFest Supporting ASAP : [link removed]
 

9/20-21
ASAP's 2025 Farm Tour : [link removed]
 

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

News from ASAP

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Participating farms on ASAP's Farm Tour, September 20-21, 12 to 5 p.m. are officially announced! These 24 farms represent some of the amazing diversity of agriculture happening in our region—all within an hour of Asheville. We’ll be sharing more about each farm on social media between now and the tour, but you can find more details and purchase your pass now at asapconnections.org : [link removed].

Local Food and Farm News

Many Asheville area restaurants, alongside the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR), are joining forces to raise funds for the Benevolent Spirits campaign.

According to Mountain Xpress : [link removed], Benevolent Spirits is, "a recurring fundraising initiative that harnesses the power of hospitality to support local, national, and global causes.

"From July 17–27, participating restaurants will offer a featured beverage—ranging from craft cocktails to mocktails, sangria, beer and other non-alcoholic options—and donate $1 from each drink sold to the relief fund. Guests can support the cause simply by enjoying a refreshing drink at their favorite local spot."



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

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