FARMERS’ MARKETS OPEN APRIL 24TH!!

FARM-TO-TABLE FRESHNESS AT ITS BEST!
Even our Regional Library promotes our incredible farms and home vegetable gardens in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The “Together We Read” project for 2009 chose Barbara Kingsolver’s book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – a Year of Food Life as the project’s focus . Book club participants had lunch prepared with foods from our Farmers’ Markets and followed that with discussions in our libraries. We are serious supporters of our locally-produced food and sustainable agriculture. One of the best things about living in these mesmerizing mountains is the abundance of fresh, organically-grown produce, pesticide-free/antibiotic-free organic meats, handcrafted goat cheeses in the most luscious flavors, handmade gourmet vinegars and condiments, a variety of locally-produced honeys, homemade breads, locally-grown shitake mushrooms, and so many other delectables. Even the soul and spirit can feast on authentic mountain crafts for sale and live bluegrass music, with a few chairs placed around the musicians, where laden shoppers can sit a spell and just enjoy this wonderful, bucolic experience. You will want to take time to visit with the vendors and read about them online. (Links to farms are at the end of this blog.) You will be amazed at the impact our farms have in Western North Carolina and beyond. Many sell produce to restaurants in Asheville as well as our own towns. Elizabeth, from Firefly Farm, attended Duke University and sells the produce she grows during the Market Days. She also hosts magnificent, 5-course gourmet meals “down by the river” – up on Celo - a few times a year on her farm. The drive to Firefly Farm through the mountains and valleys is breathtakingly beautiful, the food fresh from farm to table with wine and live music. Seating is very limited, so get the dates and flyers from her while you are shopping the Farmer’s Market. Whatever Jake and Nana (Jake’s Farm and Nana’s Kitchen) are selling from their booth is incredibly delicious – from the homemade desserts, breads, and pizzas to the fresh produce. You will find your own favorite vendors and offerings. Other market activities often include such events as health screenings, face painting, and gourmet cooking demonstrations.
This is the 19th season of this Farmers’ Market, so they have had time to get this just right. Oh, there will also be plants – both ornamental and garden – and cut flowers for sale from local farms. You will want to get there early as many things will sell out very fast. Just don’t buy all the Oak Moon Creamery Mountain Mediterranean goat cheese (drenched with extra virgin olive oil, locally-grown garlic and fresh herbs.) I have dibs on at least one of them! Now all that is on Saturday.
When and Where for Burnsville’s Farmers’ Market
Date: Apr 24, 2010
Start Time: 8:30 AM
End Time: 12:30 PM
Organized by: Yancey County Farmers Market
Address: South Main Street
Burnsville, NC 28714
Phone: (828) 682-4108

On Wednesdays, head 15 miles down the road to Spruce Pine for our OTHER Farmers' Market. Here is what you will find there:
Featured vendors from Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties will be selling shitake mushrooms, rabbit meat, grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, duck and turkey. Organic and naturally grown produce: such as early broccoli and squash, fresh herbs, asparagus, blueberries, strawberries, organic apples, cider.
Eggs, artisan breads, take-and-bake pizza and assorted baked goods such as cookies, scones, and bars will be available. We have jams and jellies, honey, goat cheese and camembert cheese too. Our artists create hand carved stones, garden sculptures, glass nugget and stained glass pieces, skinning knives and kitchen cutlery, dried flower art, natural soaps and lotions as well as beeswax candles.
When and Where for Spruce Pine Farmers’ Market
(May-October)
The porch of Wildflower's
297 Oak Avenue (also known as Upper Street)
Spruce Pine North Carolina
Every Wednesday 2-5:30 pm May- October http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M36489

For further information about our local farms:
Appalachian Seeds http://www.appalachianseeds.com/
Firefly Farm http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M13842
Bee Log Farm and Nursery http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M18494
The Mushroom Hut at Fox Farms http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M27083
Green Toe Ground Farm http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M7524
Bee Log Garlic & Flower Farm http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M18495
Oak Moon Creamery http://oakmoonfarm.webs.com/cheese.htm

For a great read and delicious recipe ideas for all your Farmer Market finds:
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver (http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/