Press Release
From Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
ASHEVILLE, NC (June 2, 2014)—Local berries are the stars of early summer – from the last of the strawberries to blue-hued blueberries and rosy-red raspberries—which are popping up now at area farmers tailgate markets and on the menus of Appalachian Grown™ partner restaurants. All get the spotlight in ASAP’s Get Local campaign this month as chefs use them in countless ways: think savory sauces, salad toppers, and sweet treats from pies to ice cream.
Appalachian Grown partner restaurants are planning a variety of events and specials this month to celebrate berries. The French Broad Chocolate Lounge is featuring their berry vanilla cake using an assortment of local berries from McConnell Farms, Full Sun Farm, Nectar Creek Farm, Stepp Family Farm, and Flying Cloud Farm. The flavor of the cake changes, so be sure to stop by the shop throughout the month. Still want more sweet treats? Beat the heat with some local berry-flavored ice creams at The Hop Ice Cream Café (Merrimon location) on Tuesday, June 24 from 5 to 8 pm for a fundraiser for ASAP. This month The Hop is featuring a variety of dairy and dairy-free flavors like blueberry kale, blackberry/blueberry chevre, and much more. West End Bakery is also loading their cakes, cupcakes, and pastries with local berries this month from Stepp Family Farm.
Visit ASAP’s website at asapconnections.org/getlocal to find details on what’s happening this month. You can also Get Local at home: Find each month’s featured food—and other seasonal products—at your neighborhood farmers tailgate market, roadside stand, or grocery store. Browse for markets, stands, and stores via ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.
[High-resolution calendar images available. For help creating/planning stories around Get Local and seasonal foods, contact Scott Bunn at scott@asapconnections.org.]
ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)
ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more about ASAP’s work, visit asapconnections.org, or call (828) 236-1282.
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