ASAP's Weekly Farmers Market Report - August 26, 2021

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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Winter may seem far away, but winter squash varieties are already at farmers markets! While our favorite summer squashes—such as zucchini, green-and-yellow zephyr and pattypan are still in abundance, we’ve spotted winter squash varieties like delicata, acorn, kabocha, and spaghetti squash at markets in the past few weeks!

Don’t let the hard outer shell of this squash deter you! The fluffy, noodle-like texture of spaghetti squash makes it one of the more versatile varieties of winter squash. When cooked right, spaghetti squash can be enjoyed alone or as a nutritious and tasty addition to any meal. Slice your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and ribbing. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the inside of the squash and season with salt and pepper. Place your spaghetti squash cut side down onto a baking sheet, use a fork to poke a few holes, then roast for 30-40 minutes in a 400-degree oven. When the squash is cool to the touch, flip over so the cut side is facing up, and use a fork to scrape and fluff the strands. Enjoy straight out of the oven, or even use it as a substitute for spaghetti noodles in any pasta recipe! You can find spaghetti squash from Full Sun Farm : [link removed] (River Arts District : [link removed] and North Asheville : [link removed] markets), Velvet Morning Farm : [link removed] (Asheville City Market : [link removed]), Ten Mile Farm : [link removed] (Black Mountain : [link removed] and Asheville City markets), and Root Bottom Farm : [link removed] (West Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]). 

If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate some of this week’s market squashes into your meals, look no further than delicata squash! In addition to its sweet flavor and velvety texture, its small size and thin, edible skin makes it super easy to work with. Our favorite way to enjoy delicata squash is simply by roasting it. Start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and stringy flesh with a spoon, then cut the squash halves into one-inch-thick slices. Spread the squash slices into a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Roasted delicata tastes great by itself, but can also be a wonderful addition to kale salads, tacos, or creamy pasta recipes.  Look for delicata squash from Full Sun Farm, Root Bottom Farm, and Smallholding Farm : [link removed] (East Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]). 

Kabocha squash, a Japanese variety of winter squash, has a deep, rich flavor and dense insides that make it the perfect squash variety for a delicious soup. Start by cutting one small-to-medium-sized kabocha squash into a few large pieces, scoop out the seeds and stringy insides, and place onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, and roast in a 400-degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour. In a large pot, sauté two ribs of chopped celery and two cups of chopped yellow onion over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. To taste, add ground ginger, cumin, coriander, and three cloves of minced garlic, sauteing for another two minutes. Remove the skin from the roasted squash and add to the pot, along with four cups of chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 10 minutes, then puree with an immersion blender or by slowly adding batches into a standing blender. You can find kabocha squash from Smallholding Farm and Sleight Family Farm : [link removed] (North Asheville Tailgate Market).
 
At farmers markets now you’ll also find apples, peaches, pears, figs, melons, okra, tomatoes, eggplant, summer squash, cucumbers, garlic, potatoes, beets, leafy greens, mushrooms, and much more. Markets are stocked with a variety of meats, cheese, rice, pasta, bread, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org : [link removed].

Celebrate Farmers at HarvestFest

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Sunday, Sept. 11, 3-6 p.m.Olivette Riverside Park, 1069 Olivette Rd., AshevileJoin us for a celebration of local farms and community, presented by the Olivette Riverside Community and Chatt Hills Music, and benefitting ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables : [link removed]. Enjoy treats from local food makers and drinks from Wicked Weed Brewing and Vidl Wine. Bluegrass performance by The Barefoot Movement begins at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 : [link removed] with free admission for farmers and their families.

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

8/27
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Farm Fresh for Health Regional Symposium at Hendersonville Farmers Market : [link removed]

August Farm Tour at Hickory Nut Gap Farm : [link removed]
 

8/30
Market Readiness Series: Accepting SNAP/EBT Payments : [link removed] Session Farm Beginnings- Organic Growers School : [link removed]
 
9/3
September Barn Dance – Zydeco Ya Ya : [link removed]

9/4-9/11
Autumn Planting Lavender & Orchard : [link removed]
 

9/7
Chestnut x Crow Fly Farms Whole Hog Wine Dinner : [link removed]
 

9/10
Painting Class on the Farm : [link removed]
 

A Savory Shindig : [link removed]

9/11
First Annual HarvestFest : [link removed]
 

9/16-9/17
Carolina Jubilee : [link removed]
 

9/17-9/18
ASAP’s 2022 Farm Tour : [link removed]

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

Local Food &  Farm News

Asheville Citizen Times : [link removed] featured Equal Plates Project, formerly We Give a Share. “We are excited by and committed to the work that our organization is doing,” says Aaron Grier, owner of Gaining Ground Farm and one of the organization's founders. “Ensuring that everyone in our community has access to local agricultural bounties is what the kitchen is achieving through several new avenues.”



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

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