The annual event has pivoted its 2020 efforts to offering a curated collection of locally made fermented foods and beverages.

The annual event has pivoted its 2020 efforts to offering a curated collection of locally made fermented foods and beverages.
An interest in health inspired many female owners of local fermented food and beverage businesses.
From prickly pear cactus to jackfruit, Asheville restaurants are offering broader selections of meat-free tacos.
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features Smiling Hara Tempeh’s research trip to Indonesia plus a new album by local rock group The Luxury Spirit.
Smiling Hara Tempeh is bolstering its partnership with Whole Foods with the release of a new heat-and-eat product line in addition to opening a new factory; winter farmers markets are kicking off in Western North Carolina; MANNA FoodBank warehouse is sporting a new roof, thanks to several local businesses; and PennyCup Coffee Co. has a new downtown store.
Oskar Blues’ CAN’d Aid Foundation is seeking competitive talents for its chili cook-off in Brevard. Meanwhile, FEAST and Asheville Middle School team up for a pie fundraiser; MetroWines’ Anita Riley invites two women behind Hi-Wire Brewing’s branding to the shop; Smiling Hara Tempeh’s Hempeh makes its way to grocery shelves; and Lex 18 hosts an Appalachian-themed evening.
North Carolina is just one signature away from taking advantage of a 2014 Farm Bill provision that allows states to enact their own hemp-growing pilot programs.
Smiling Hara begins Hempeh distribution, Moose Café celebrates its first year in Hendersonville, Marc Williams does a class on DIY fermented beverages and Foothills Meats offers a workshop on the nutrition of animal-based protein.