ASAP's Weekly Farmers Market Report - January 28, 2021

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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Farmers grow a diversity of leafy greens year-round in our region, but you might find your favorites sell out quickly at winter tailgate markets (we’re looking at you, spinach). This is a great opportunity to substitute your go-to greens with something slightly different. Here’s a rundown of what types of greens you might encounter at markets right now.
 
Mustard greens tend to be known for long-cooking techniques, such as Southern-style with bacon, vinegar, and hot sauce. But many mustard greens are tender enough for quick cooking without a trace of bitterness. Take xuelihong, a long-stemmed Chinese mustard green available from Lee’s One Fortune Farm : [link removed] at ASAP : [link removed] and River Arts District : [link removed] markets. Wash and roughly slice the greens crosswise, stems and all, then add to stir-fries and sautéed dishes. Or look for “Cheap Frills” from Olivette Farm : [link removed] at ASAP Farmers Market. This mix of baby greens includes colorful and frilly mustard varieties like mizuna, Scarlet Frills, and Ruby Streaks. The blend is mild enough to enjoy as a salad or can be wilted or sautéed to add to pasta, eggs, or other dishes. 
 

Gai lan (also called Chinese broccoli or Chinese kale) has thick stalks and glossy leaves. Its flavor is a bit stronger than broccoli, but it makes a great substitute and can be steamed, blanched, sautéed, or roasted. Yu choy looks similar, but the stalks are thinner and it often has yellow flowers like broccoli rabe. Its flavor is more aggressive than gai lan, falling somewhere between spinach and bok choy. Get both gai lan and yu choy from Lee’s One Fortune Farm. 
 

Winter is the time for spinach to shine. The colder temperatures force the plant to convert its starches into sugar for the sweetest harvest. If you arrive at the start of market, you might score some from Ten Mile Farm : [link removed] or Olivette Farm, both at ASAP Farmers Market, or Highgate Farm : [link removed] at River Arts District Farmers Market, but this green is often the first to sell out. If that’s the case, also look for Taiwan spinach, available in both red-streaked and all-green varieties, from Lee’s One Fortune Farm. This type has a longer stem and an arrow-like shape. It’s milder than regular spinach. 
 

Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region, even in the winter. 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 : [link removed].

Full Share: A CSA Guide

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Have questions about Community Supported Agriculture : [link removed]? Not sure how to find CSA farms? The 2022 edition of Full Share, our guide to everything CSA in our region, is here! More than 60 farms with CSA programs in the Appalachian Grown region are listed, along with helpful tips about how to choose a CSA that's right for you. 
You can get the digital version : [link removed] on our website or look for free print copies at winter markets and community locations around the region.

Connect with Us

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appalachiangrown.org : [link removed] | fromhere.org : [link removed]
asapconnections.org : [link removed] | growing- : [link removed] : [link removed]
 
Donate to support local food, strong farms, and healthy communities today! : [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.

Upcoming Events

2/3
Agribusiness Series: Agritourism in Southwestern NC Trends and Storytelling : [link removed]
 

2/10
ASAP’s CSA Fair (Hendersonville) : [link removed]


2/15
Holistic Crop Management Series: Tools from the Holistic Management Framework : [link removed]

2/17
Agribusiness Series: Using Social Media to Promote your Farm Business : [link removed]

2/26
ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference : [link removed]
 
3/11
ASAP’s CSA Fair (Asheville) : [link removed]

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

Local Food &  Farm News

Asheville FM : [link removed] interviews ASAP's Sarah Hart about shopping at winter farmers markets and the Double SNAP program.



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

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