ASAP's Weekly Farmers Market Report - September 9, 2022

Fresh at Farmers Markets

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It’s officially pear season in North Carolina! Asian pears were in abundance at farmers markets this week, so be sure to grab some while they’re still around. Their sweet, refreshing flavor and crisp texture make for the perfect late-summer snack. You can find Asian pears from McConnell Farms : [link removed] (North : [link removed] and West Asheville : [link removed] markets), Bright Branch Farm (East Asheville Tailgate Market : [link removed]), and Creasman Farms : [link removed] (North, Asheville City : [link removed], and Black Mountain : [link removed] markets). 

This week, you can also find fresh ginger at farmers tailgate markets! Lee’s One Fortune Farm is offering whole ginger stalks, including both the young, pinkish-gold root portion as well as the dark green shoots and leaves. Make sure you get to markets early if you want to snag some ginger, as they’re in high demand and won’t last long! You can find ginger from Lee’s One Fortune Farm : [link removed] next week at River Arts District : [link removed], East Asheville, and Asheville City markets. (Note that the Lees won’t be at Asheville City Market and Black Mountain Tailgate Market this Saturday or West Asheville Tailgate Market this Tuesday.)

Asian pears and ginger make for a wonderful flavor combination. If you’re able to get both from farmers markets this week, try making this easy Asian pear and ginger slaw! This Thai-style slaw recipe is the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and spicy, and pairs well with any Asian-inspired dish. In a small bowl, whisk together a half-inch knob of finely grated ginger, two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, and two tablespoons of rice vinegar.  In a separate bowl, combine two stalks of julienned celery, two peeled and julienned large Asian pears, one-fourth cup of finely chopped cilantro leaves, and two thinly sliced green onions. Stir the dressing into the remaining ingredients and serve! If you would prefer this slaw recipe with a little more spice, add in one finely chopped Thai chili pepper. 

If you are looking to utilize your pears and ginger in a dessert dish, this poached Asian pear recipe is a simple way to do just that! Start by removing the cores of two large Asian pears. Slice pears about one-fourth-inch thick. In a medium pot, combine two cups of water, one cup of sugar, half of a vanilla bean (halved lengthwise, seeds scraped out), three thin slices of ginger, and the zest of one lemon. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the pear slices, stir to submerge in liquid, and simmer for three minutes. Remove the pot from heat and leave to cool completely. Serve alone by drizzling some of the poaching syrup over the top, or add ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream! If you have some leftover syrup, keep it in the fridge to add to cocktails or sparkling water for a little extra flavor! 

At farmers markets now you’ll also find apples, peaches, figs, melons, okra, tomatoes, peppers, 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].

HarvestFest Is Sunday!

Sunday, Sept. 11, 3-6 p.m.Olivette Riverside Park, 1069 Olivette Rd., Asheville Join 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]. Food and drink: Enjoy treats from local food makers and drinks from Wicked Weed Brewing and Vidl Wine. Music: Bluegrass performance by The Barefoot Movement begins at 4 p.m. VIF (Very Important Farmers): Goodie bag and a special section to pamper farmers.Silent auction: Bid on prizes, including artwork, experiences, pottery, vacations, and more!Tickets: Purchase $25 here : [link removed]. Children, farmers, and farmer families get in for free!

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

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

A Savory Shindig : [link removed]
 

9/11
First Annual HarvestFest : [link removed]
 

9/14
Raising Backyard Chickens : [link removed]

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

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

9/18
Mycorrhizals for Farm and Garden : [link removed]

9/19
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2023 WNC AgOptions Information Session- Waynesville : [link removed] 

9/22
2023 WNC AgOptions Information Session - Boone : [link removed]
2023 WNCAgOptions Information Session - Murphy : [link removed]

9/23
Equinox Botanical Walk with Abby Artemisia : [link removed]

9/24
September Farm Tour at Hickory Nut Gap Farm : [link removed]

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

Local Food &  Farm News

Apple orchards are opening for the season with u-pick, cider, and other treats and activities, reported the Asheville Citizen Times : [link removed]. “It’s a big celebration, especially in a year where there’s an abundance of apples,” said ASAP communications manager Sarah Hart. “After some of them experienced flooding and frost and certainly just the down years with the pandemic where the u-pick carnival celebrations were a little bit subdued, this is feeling like it’s a good apple season across the board. Everybody’s growing and producing, and I’ve heard people say it’s a bumper year, so even better than just ‘not bad.’”
 
The Mountain Xpress : [link removed] featured HarvestFest at Olivette Farm, a benefit for ASAP's Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program and a chance to do something special to celebrate farmers. Said Olivette event planner Arica Haro, “This is right at the peak of harvest season. Everyone is cranking it out every single day, and when we asked around about what they would most like to have, they all said, ‘A break!’ So that’s what this is intended to be.”



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

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