Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Most farmers markets around the region have opening dates starting in April and May. The warmer weather, blooming trees, and returning bird songs definitely make it feel like the seasons are finally turning!
Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers have started to make their way back to markets, with long-awaited seasonal blooms to add some color to your home. Find bunches of anemones and tulips at Asheville City Market. More flower farmers are expected to return to markets soon with varieties such as lilacs, ranunculus, bachelor buttons, and more!
Get Started on Home Gardening
Now is the time to get started on home gardening if you’re feeling inspired to grow some of your own food this season! Vendors have started to bring seedlings to markets, and soon farmers markets will be full of plant starts to get your homestead ready for the growing season. Find plant starts for veggies like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage at North Asheville Tailgate Market.
Experiment with Winter Produce
In the meantime, there’s still time to continue experimenting with some of the winter produce at markets—like fennel! The fresh, aromatic qualities and crisp texture of fennel make it the perfect veggie to cook with as we move away from hearty winter recipes and embrace the warmer temperatures and refreshing nature of spring.
Enjoy Fennel in Various Ways
While most recipes call for just the bulb of fennel, all parts of the vegetable are edible and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. One of the best ways to appreciate raw fennel is by simply shaving the bulb with a mandolin or culinary peeler, then lightly marinating it in a bit of lemon juice, olive oil, and sea salt.
If you want to sauté fennel, try shaving it first then cooking with a bit of olive oil to create a delicious caramelized flavor. Fennel also tastes great when sliced into half-inch wedges, tossed with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Market Offerings
Farmers markets now also have greens, broccoli, beets, sweet potatoes, radishes, cabbages, and more! Markets are also stocked with a variety of rice, pasta, pastries, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region, including winter hours, in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.
