One of the joys of shopping at farmers tailgate markets is getting to try things you would never find in a grocery store. That’s especially true in the spring, when a myriad of unique greens start to join the more tried-and-true spinach, arugula, and kale. Right now we’re excited to see the first stinging nettles, sorrel, and Tokyo bekana, among other greens.
The warning sign on the bag of stinging nettles (don’t touch with bare hands!) might seem like a deterrent, but cooking the leaves will tame them into something edible and delicious. Wear gloves to remove nettles from the bag and rinse them, then cook in salted boiling water for five minutes. After this, they are safe to handle and eat. You can sauté nettles with garlic and add to pasta dishes or puree them to combine with potato soup. Stinging nettles are available from Bear Necessities Farm at ASAP Farmers Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market.
Pesto is a great way to embrace the bite of some of spring’s sharply flavored greens. Sorrel, a cousin of rhubarb, packs a lemony punch, but makes a fantastic sauce for roasted spring veggies. In a food processor, mix sorrel leaves with garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and any kind of nuts (pine nuts are classic, but walnuts, cashews, or pecans are also great). Drizzle in olive oil until you reach the consistency you want and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Experiment with using peppery greens, like arugula or watercress, instead or try subbing green garlic for regular garlic. You can find sorrel right now from Thatchmore Farm at North Asheville Tailgate Market and West Asheville Tailgate Market.
Tokyo bekana is a type of a Chinese cabbage with soft, buttery leaves that look and taste more like lettuce. It works both for leafy salads as a stand-in for romaine or buttercrunch lettuce, but also stands up to sautéing or stir frying. Get Tokyo bekana from Lee’s One Fortune Farm at ASAP Farmers Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, and East Asheville Tailgate Market.
At markets now you’ll also find root veggies like carrots, turnips, and radishes; spring alliums like leeks and spring onions; and more. In addition to produce, market vendors have a wide variety of meat, fish, cheese, bread, rice, prepared foods, fermented products, baked treats, and beverages. There are more than 100 farmers tailgate markets throughout the Appalachian Grown region. Find them, as well as farms and other local food businesses, in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.
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Virtual Grower-Buyer Meetings
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In addition to the annual Grower-Buyer Meeting at the Business of Farming Conference, ASAP is now offering stand-alone, virtual Grower-Buyer Meetings. These Zoom meetups are an easy way for farmers introduce themselves to grocers, distributors, chefs, etc., and discuss products and potential interest. It's free for both farmers and buyers participate!
The following meetings are scheduled for April. Use the links to schedule an appointment (appointments are first come, first served).
- Well Seasoned Table, Monday, April 12, 1–3 p.m.
- Cultura, Wednesday, April 13th, 12–2 p.m.
- Zadie's Market, Wednesday, April 14, 12–2 p.m.
- TRACTOR Food and Farms, Monday, April 19, 2–4 p.m.
Are you a buyer interested in meeting with local farmers? Fill out this interest form or contact [email protected] with any questions.
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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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Spring vegetables are hitting farmers markets and chefs are using seasonal produce to celebrate. Hear why Chef J Chong is excited for spring markets in this week’s Growing Local. Hear more on this week's Growing Local.
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Chef J Chong, who sells her dumplings at several farmers markets, was featured in the Asheville Citizen Times for her work toward fighting anti-Asian violence.
WLOS visited ASAP Farmers Market for the opening of the spring season and talked to market manager Kate Hanford.
BlueRidgeNow.com offered a rundown of markets in Henderson County and featured the Double SNAP offerings at Hendersonville Farmers Market and Mills River Farm Market.
Some farmers and gardeners have experienced pandemic-driven seed supply problems for a second year, reported the Mountain Xpress.
AVL Today featured six flower farms in the area.
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