This past December didn’t bring the same significant snowfall and freezing temperatures we’ve seen in recent years, and as a result we’re seeing some unexpected produce at winter farmers tailgate markets alongside winter stalwarts like sweet potatoes, apples, and collard greens.
Broccoli was available from both Ten Mile Farm and Fiddler’s Green Farm this past week at Asheville City Market–Winter. Ten Mile also had purple cauliflower and Fiddler’s Green had brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts, in particular, are less commonly grown in the southeast, so it’s fun to find farmers who have persevered to bring this vegetable to market. Try a salad of thinly shaved brussels sprout leaves tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, and a hard, salty cheese (such as Grana from Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery at Asheville City Market–Winter). For an even more filling dish, add bacon and a poached egg and pair with some crusty bread.
The milder weather has also been good for snow peas and pea tendrils from Lee’s One Fortune Farm (Asheville City Market–Winter and River Arts District Winter Market). Snow peas are great for snacking on raw or adding to cooked dishes. Likewise, pea tendrils can be eaten like salad greens or sauteed and added to pasta or quiche. Try stir-fried pea tendrils with garlic and chiles served alongside some rice, also available from Lee’s One Fortune.
Staples like eggs, bread, cheese, and meats continue to be available at markets through the winter. You’ll find eggs at Asheville City Market–Winter from Fiddler’s Green, Lee’s One Fortune Farm, and Hickory Nut Gap Farm. Dry Ridge Farm reports that they will have more eggs in a few weeks. At River Arts District Winter Market, you can get eggs from Headshrink Farm in addition to Lee’s One Fortune.
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region, even through 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 at appalachiangrown.org.
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It's time for the 2020 Local Food Resolution Challenge! ASAP staffers shared a few of our 2020 local food goals, and we want to hear yours! Hop over to social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) and comment with your local food resolutions. Tag three friends and we'll enter you in a drawing for a 2020 Farm Tour car pass. Contest ends Monday (Jan. 13).
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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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Local employers are encouraging staff to eat healthier and support local farms through workplace CSAs. Hear how the Community Supported Agriculture model works at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in Boone, NC on this week's Growing Local rerun.
You can listen to all
Growing Local episodes on SoundCloud, iTunes, or on ASAP's website.
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Local Food & Farms in the News
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