JULY 2, 2009 ISSUE
Farmers’ Market Weekly Update
Gather up fresh, locally grown food for your Fourth of July grill-outs at the High Country’s farmers’ markets. Rain or shine, the markets will be open this weekend.
Watauga County Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ Market Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your farmers’ market shopping experience.
•Bring small bills. It’s easier for sellers to make change.
•Ask questions. Learn about unfamiliar varieties and even how to prepare them.
•Go early for the best selection.
•Go late for the best deals.
•Use large, reusable bags or baskets. Eliminate the need for plastic or paper bags.
•Reuse egg cartons, flower pots, berry baskets and bags.
•Shop cooperatively with friends or family. Buying in bulk could save you money.
•Do not bring pets except service animals.
•Bring a picnic. Supplement your meal with desserts, fruits, veggies, cheeses, bread and coffee from the market.
The folks at Watauga County Farmers' Market will be celebrating Red White & Blue Day this Saturday, July 4, with the music of the Produce Pickers.
Summer crops at the market are starting to come in and this week's selection will also include a good mix of late spring crops as well. Josh and Amy Johnston will have mixed greens, snow peas and shelling peas, a variety of lettuces as well as the first of their crooknecks and zucchinis. Jeff Thomas will have sugar snap peas, summer squash, chard, lettuce mix, beets, parsley and local pasture-raised beef. Bill Moretz will have black raspberries, huckleberries, basil, lots of veggies and free-range chicken.
Rachael Salmon will introduce new local photographs, including some great shots of rhododendrons, raccoons and wildflowers. Rachael also offers striking handmade moss frames and will bring her ginger lily plants.
Wednesday afternoon markets are a great option for those who cannot come out on Saturdays. The market has been averaging almost 20 vendors on Wednesday, with a great selection of produce, garden plants, foods and crafts. No sales are allowed before 4:00 p.m. to give the vendors time to set up properly.
The Watauga Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and every Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. To find Horn in the West, turn next to First Citizens Bank on Highway 105 Extension and go to the top of the hill. For more info, call 828-355-4918 or click to www.wcfm.info.
Ashe County Farmers’ Market
The Ashe County Farmers’ Market is located on the Back Street in downtown West Jefferson and is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October. After the second Wednesday in July, it will begin opening on Wednesdays as well.
More than 100 vendors sell wholesome fruit and vegetables, farm-fresh meat and eggs, fresh herbs and flowers, and all sorts of arts, crafts and music to the market. For more info, click to www.ashefarmersmarket.com.
High Country Farmers’ Market
The High Country Farmers' Market is open for the season at the new location at Earth Fare on King Street in Boone. Hours are Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This week, the market will have plenty of fresh greens, peas, fresh herbs, rhubarb, berries, bok choy, spinach, Swiss chard, bedding plants and day lilies. Also available will be fresh baked goods, granola, jams and jellies, and culinary vinegars as well as beautiful locally crafted jewelry, baskets, farm-fresh eggs and more.
For more info, contact Carol Miller by phone at 336-385-9419 or by email at pfvinegars@yahoo.com.
Johnson County Farmers’ Market
The Johnson County Farmers’ Market is open for its first season on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Tuesday night markets will start on July 7 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The marked is located just off the intersection of Highways 421 and 167 in Mountain City, locally known as Shouns Crossing, in the metal quonset building. The freshest veggies, meats, eggs, plants and local crafts are available. For more info, contact Tamara at 423-727-2791 or Laura at 423-727-9581.
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