ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - August 8, 2025

Fresh at Farmers Markets

As the first cool breezes of late summer begin to whisper through the mountains, we’re reminded that fall and the school year are just around the corner. Now is the time to soak up that late summer goodness, especially with this past week being National Farmers Market Week : [link removed]! While we are always celebrating farmers markets, this week is a chance to dig deeper and recognize all that goes into making farmers markets possible and the benefits they bring to our region.
 

Not only do farmers markets offer an incredible diversity of produce and food products grown and made right here in our region, markets help to stimulate our local economies, increase our region’s food system resilience, keep farmers farming while preserving farmland, and make fresh food more accessible while fostering healthier communities. Markets don’t just happen either! Behind the scenes, farmers markets are operating with the help of market staff, board members, volunteers, and the support of the community–that’s you! Be sure to get out to a market before the summer is over and while the abundance is high.
 

What better way to savor late summer than with a picnic on the Blue Ridge Parkway : [link removed]? As the temperatures cool and portions of the parkway reopen, a sky-high adventure with family, friends, or even a date offers a natural reprieve and a quiet respite before the rush of the school year begins. So before those backpacks are zipped and the school bells ring, take a moment to slow down and savor the season.
 

Even if you’re not heading out to the parkway, a local park or your backyard are perfect places to lay out a blanket and get some quality time before the rush of preparing for back-to-school. Markets are full of summer picnic ingredients that can double for packed lunches, too. Slice up some fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and peppers to pair with a goat cheese dip from Three Graces Dairy : [link removed] (North Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]) or pimento dip from Ali Rae Foods : [link removed] (East Asheville : [link removed], North Asheville, Black Mountain : [link removed], and River Arts District : [link removed] markets). You can make your own simple veggie dip, too–all you need is some yogurt, minced garlic, a pinch of salt and chopped fresh herbs available from a number of market vendors. You can find lunchbox peppers–perfect for snacking and dipping without having to chop them–from Smallholding Farm : [link removed] at East Asheville Tailgate Market. Slice up some refreshing cantaloupe from Two Stones Farm + Mill : [link removed] (North Asheville and West Asheville markets) and find the first early apples from Creasman Farms : [link removed] at Asheville City : [link removed], North Asheville, and West Asheville : [link removed] markets. If you’re a meat eater, Hickory Nut Gap : [link removed] has you covered with cured meats like salami, deli meats like smoked ham, and your classic meat sticks in multiple flavors. Now, don’t forget to pack your napkins, cutting utensils, serving spoons, and maybe a flat surface if you’re picnicking without a table.
 

As you may already know, bruschetta is a very versatile dish and certainly a crowd pleaser! At your next picnic or gathering, try making a bruschetta bar–your family or guests will love the creative options! You can go with a classic tomato bruschetta with garlic, red onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil and explore other types like a peach, blueberry lemon, white bean, or even roasted eggplant or red pepper bruschetta. For a roasted eggplant bruschetta, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and cube one large or two to four small eggplants. Toss the eggplant in olive oil, salt, and pepper, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until caramelized. While the eggplant bakes, slice up half a red onion, quarter a handful of cherry tomatoes, and julienne a small bunch of basil and mint leaves. When your eggplant is ready and has cooled a little bit, combine all ingredients in a bowl, adding some crumbled feta from Spinning Spider Creamery : [link removed] (North Asheville and River Arts District markets) and drizzles of balsamic vinegar, and mix. Pre-slice and toast a fresh baguette from Simple Bread : [link removed] (Asheville City and West Asheville markets) and slice up some mozzarella from Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery : [link removed] (Asheville City, North Asheville, and Black Mountain markets). Add some additional build-your-own elements to your bruschetta bar like goat cheese, homemade pesto, or jam. Find a variety of eggplant, including the whimsical fairytale eggplant, from vendors like Highgate Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City and West Asheville markets), Ivy Creek Family Farm : [link removed] (North Asheville and Weaverville : [link removed] markets), and Herb’s Market Garden (Enka-Candler Farmers Market).
 

At markets now you’ll also find cabbages, collards, beets, carrots, berries, stone fruits like peaches and plums, mushrooms, potatoes, garlic, onions, okra, microgreens, many types of fresh herbs, 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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8/16
Utopian Seed Project – Trial to Table : [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]
 

9/7
Flowers Everywhere! A Garden Party Fundraiser : [link removed]
 

9/7-11/16, Sundays
Barn Yoga at HNG : [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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Volunteer sign ups for ASAP's Farm Tour are now live!
 

Every year we need volunteers to help us staff the tour. Spend one afternoon (11:30–5 p.m.) welcoming visitors at a participating farm, and then tour for free on the day you aren’t volunteering.
 

It's a fun and rewarding weekend of connecting with local farms, meeting visitors from across the region, and getting a behind-the-scenes look into the operations of working family farms in Western North Carolina. All participating farms are located within one hour of Asheville.
 

Learn more and fill out our volunteer form at asapconnection.org/farmtour : [link removed]. You can let us know which farm you want to be placed at, too. Farm placements depend on availability and first some first served requests.

Local Food and Farm News

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Photo courtesy of Crusco's Instagram : [link removed]
 

A new restaurant with familiar faces and flavors has just opened in the River Arts District on Depot St. in the former Vivian restaurant location. 
 

Crusco, led by the late Brian Canipelli's life partner Kat Kearny and several former Cucina 24 employees, Crusco will maintain its fresh approach and partnerships with local farms. 
 

In an article by Mountain Xpress : [link removed], Kat Kearny shares that, "Crusco is a new restaurant guided by the seasons, farms and ingredients. We're committed to thoughtful cooking, honestly hospitality and a constantly evolving menu that reflects curiosity, restraint and place."



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

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