The region’s small farms have been rocked by the coronavirus, but community support and innovative thinking have enabled many local growers to pivot and persist as they work to find a way forward.
Hominy Farm bread builds a following despite quarantine
Bread maker Eli Je Bailey debuted his business, Hominy Farm, at the River Arts District Farmers Market in February.
Mother Earth Food expands to meet new demand
Business for the Asheville-based produce and grocery delivery service has tripled with COVID-19 social distancing measures in place, allowing it to support more local growers.
Local tailgate markets scramble to meet the challenges of COVID-19
Market organizers have gotten creative, quickly setting up new systems and online platforms.
J Bread owner Jay Seibert has a passion for sourdough rye
The Burnsville resident turned back-of-house restaurant experience and a love of bread-making into an artisan baking business.
WNC farms showcase their products at ASAP’s annual CSA Fair
More new farmers than ever before will share information about their offerings at the 10th annual event on March 12.
Organic Growers School Spring Conference ushers in the WNC growing season
Now in its 27th year, the Organic Growers School Spring Conference welcomes growers and sustainability-minded folks of all types for a weekend of region-specific educational offerings, a trade show, seed exchange, guest speakers and opportunities for socializing and networking. This year’s conference takes place Friday-Sunday, March 6-8, at Mars Hill University.
Small bites: Asheville Wing War strikes again
The ninth annual Asheville Wing War returns on Sunday, March 8. Also: PennyCup Coffee Co. hosts Coffee Farmer Caravan; Asheville CSA Fair returns; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Farming on faith: A look at WNC’s truffle-growing underground
Experimentation with cultivation of the prized subterranean fungus began in earnest in WNC nearly 10 years ago with a test orchard in Waynesville. But the handful of local truffles farmers are still patiently waiting to see the fruits of their labors.
Small bites: Mother Ocean Seafood Market set to open
On Tuesday, March 3, Mother Ocean Market will host its grand opening. Also: The Whale: A Craft Beer Collective and 12 Bones team up for a leap year beer dinner; Noble Cider hosts its fifth annual Chili Cookoff, benefiting Girls on the Run of WNC; Root Down Kitchen opens at Salvage Station; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
WNC school food pantries and programs fill gaps in student food access
Federal free and reduced-price lunch and breakfast programs help ensure that the 53% of public school students who qualify are fed when they’re at school. But what happens when those kids go home for the evening or the weekend?
Inaugural Chow Chow culinary festival sets the table for growth
Organizers reflect on the highs and lows as they consider planning for future events.
Small bites: Asheville Coffee Expo returns to the RAD
Baristas, roasters and coffee shop owners unite for the fourth annual Asheville Coffee Expo. Also: BeLoved Asheville celebrates Puerto Rican culture and cuisine; Sunflower Diner hosts a grand opening celebration; and more in this week’s Small Bites.
Asheville chefs reflect on figs
Although they aren’t actually a fruit, figs are a late-summer favorite in dishes both sweet and savory.
Small bites: PubCorps promotes volunteerism in Beer City
PubCorps, a new local nonprofit, launches with a volunteer event at the Asheville Masonic Temple. Also: Metro Wine hosts a Spanish tapas dinner; The Bountiful Bonanza of Bitters comes to Villagers; Looking Glass Creamery leads a cheese pairing event; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Appetite for Life: Heirloom apples are rich in flavor and history
A simple apple crisp can be an easy, creative way to highlight locally grown fruit.
Small bites: Chow Chow culinary festival prepares for its debut
Chow Chow: An Asheville Culinary Event, runs Sept. 12-15. Also: Girls Gone Wine; Mr. Sushi comes to Merrimon; Monk’s Flask debuts new menu; and more in this week’s Small bites.
Panaderias feed WNC’s appetite for traditional Mexican baked goods
From conchas to cemitas, Western North Carolina’s Latino bakeries craft a huge variety of pastries, breads and more.
WNC Farmers Market offers fresh produce year-round
The market, which is open daily, comprises 14 buildings spread over 36 acres.
Tailgate markets seed bountiful relationships between farmers and chefs
Deep bonds forged between local farmers and chefs at area markets feed Asheville’s culinary creativity.
Appetite for Life: Spring salads reach from palette to palate
May is the perfect month to begin adding color to the menu with salads made from locally sourced edibles.