April will be peak time in the Asheville area for the morels. It’s also time for ramps, a strong wild leek, that are well known in the Appalachians. It’s no surprise these two early spring delights taste so good together. Finding both of these requires certain conditions and environments to be just right. I do love that the timing syncs into spring perfectly, the change in the air, the greenery and flowers in bloom, and the mushroom hunt under way! If you have been following along it’s been a stellar year so far….
Markets are back! Come support local, small businesses like me!
Markets: Weaverville–Wedensdays 3-6 at the weaverville comunity center
East Asheville—Fridays 3-6 at 954 Tunnel rd Asheville
Yancey County/Burnsville-— Saturdays 8:30-12:30 322 west main st, Burnsville— starts the 13th
Monthly Special: This month the special is on pounds of dried and ground Turkey Tail and Reishi. A pound of either will be $50, usually $60. Dried Turkey Tail and Reishi mushrooms are great for making teas and broths or your own tincture making. Simmering on low temps for at least 45 mins will release the medicinal benefits.
April, all month long, will be prime time for both morels and ramps in our area. There are four kinds of morels, black, yellow, gray and half free. Ramps have two leaves and a red band near the base, it’s important to not over harvest ramps, for example, taking a whole patch, over pulling bulbs, taking one leaf and cutting at the base are two ways of being sustainable. Turkey Tail, Oysters and Dryads saddle/pheasant back mushrooms will also be showing up this month.
