Local Farmers Market Near Me
Every year, I look forward for the first day of the local farmers markets near me here in Asheville. I know that now we have several indoor winter markets, but it is often more value-added products and not as many winter vegetables. There is also something about the brand-new outdoor season as a time of renewal. It is a great time to say hello to farmers who you have not seen for several months and other people in the community who visit the market also!
Spring is asparagus season!
Buying local food directly from the farmer can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get to meet the farmer and find out about the growing methods, but you also get the freshest food around! Setting up my tent as a vendor and selling my book, Farm Fresh Nutrition has allowed me to get to know the farmers/vendors even more and I can’t thank them enough for helping me set up the tent, which can be a challenge (Joe Brittain, John from John’s Berries and Michael from Home Free Bagels as well as my friends Aisha, Leslie and Maria).
Local Farmers Market Recipe
Yesterday, I made an asparagus salad for market customers to sample. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge of cooking and healthy food recipes with the people who come to the market!
To make the salad, I first needed to stop by McConnell Farms to pick up some tender asparagus!
Next, I stopped by Oak Moon Farms to get some goat cheese!
Lemon and Thyme Asparagus Salad
When you get asparagus local and in season, it can be so young and tender that you can easily eat it raw! This recipe uses uncooked asparagus sliced very thin. This recipe will work well with your spring meal planning! I hope that you will give it a try and get your asparagus while it is available where you live.
1 bunch local asparagus, washed thin and tough ends cut off
Your favorite local goat cheese
1-2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoon olive oil
Mixture of seasonings, I used garlic, thyme, lemon pepper and crushed red pepper
Slice asparagus very thin diagonally, leave top of the spear whole and place in a bowl, squeeze lemon juice in the bowl, toss in olive oil and add seasonings. Use as a side salad or use this to top a green salad or even add to a pasta or risotto!
Visit a Local Farmers Market Near You
I hope that I inspired you while visiting my local farmers market near me to find your local farmers market. Having fresh picked produce motivates me to prepare meals using my purchases! You can read more about local farms in Western North Carolina here.
As an Asheville Nutritionist, I love to support local farmers and help my clients make changes to improve their lives. You can find out more about what I do here!
You can find out more about some the benefits of eating local and organic here!
