With the Thanksgiving holiday past us, farmers markets have shifted into holiday market gear. That means you may find changed or abbreviated hours, so double check this list or your market’s social media to confirm.
You’ll also find more artisan and craft vendors and fewer produce vendors. While you can still grab what you need to prepare nourishing meals this week (including greens, root veggies, winter squash, meat, eggs, cheese, bread, and more), you might also be able to check a few items off your holiday shopping list.
Ready to deck the halls? Look for handmade wreaths and other wintry decor from Fisher Branch Farm, Carolina Flowers, and Green Toe Ground Farm at ASAP Farmers Market. You can pick up your Christmas tree from Hensley’s Tree Farm at North Asheville Tailgate Market’s Holiday Bazaar. Don’t want to commit to a full-size tree? Thatchmore Farm, at both North and West Asheville markets, has tabletop Christmas trees as well as wreaths.
Does your gift list include cooks and local food lovers? Several farm vendors make shelf-stable food products that can be shipped or easily wrapped up. Look for adobo and sazón spice blends from The AppaLatin Farmstead. Well Seasoned Table has a variety of infused salts, sugars, and more, including a limited edition Asheville sampler sourced from local farms and partners. (Find both AppaLatin and Well Seasoned Table at North Asheville Tailgate Market.) Servingware also makes a lovely gift. Woodland Workshop at North Asheville Tailgate Market makes unique wooden spoons and spatulas. Weaverville Tailgate Market’s holiday market will feature rotating potters from Reems Creek Pottery each week.
Finally, make sure you grab a quick meal or two to keep in the freezer for particularly hectic nights. Tamales freeze wonderfully (and are a Christmas tradition). You can get them from La Gringa Tamalera (ASAP and West Asheville markets) and Cecelia’s Kitchen (North Asheville Tailgate Market). J. Chong East returns to ASAP Farmers Market this week with Cantonese dumplings and sauces. These pair perfectly with rice from Lee’s One Fortune Farm, which also keeps best in the freezer. Barnhouse Kitchen at North Asheville Tailgate Market has an assortment of pot pies, quiches, and savory strudels.
Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region, including special holiday hours, in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.
Prepared by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.