Local & Organic Food in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is in many ways considered to be a city that is "ahead of the curve". Politicians from Asheville have long been known to have a progressive stance and the residents are known to support progressive causes. In recent years, Asheville has been making head way in building local food communities in order to create a more sustainable local food economy.

Due to Asheville's smaller size and surrounding fertile lands, the city is an excellent example of how a local food economy can provide fresh and delicious foods as well as support for local farmers outside of the city. Here, in and around the city of Asheville, a large number of local food products are produced and used. From honey to beans to fresh meat, depending on the season one often does not have to drive more that twenty minutes to find the product they desire.

A local food community is a complex network of farms, farmers markets and restaurants where the final product is served. Using local foods is a great way for restaurants to keep their menus fresh, seasonal and exciting. Fresh ingredients make for vibrant and unique food. Dinners can visit the same restaurant and get a different food experience each time.

A local food community is not just beneficial for restaurants but for home cooking aficionados as well. The Asheville farmers market allows customers to connect directly with the farmers providing them with fresh, local ingredients. Other organic food markets such as the French Broad Co-op. and Earth Fare also offer a diverse selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and other local products.

Over the next several weeks, our plan is to trace the path that local foods take from farm to table. We will be searching for Asheville's fresh, affordable and unique local offerings. Our hope is to bring the local food community of Asheville in to a more concrete and lively focus with photos and allow producers and users of local products to have an opportunity to give personality to the local food community of Asheville.

Visit the Photo Gallery to view more pictures of local food in and around Asheville.