Spring Shopping Guide

Spring Shopping Guide

Spring has sprung at the Carrboro Farmers' Market!


The season of renewal is upon us, and the Carrboro Farmers' Market is bursting with fresh Spring produce to celebrate. This guide is your key to navigating the array of offerings and incorporating them into your meals this season. Don’t forget about the wide variety of plant starts from our farmers for your Spring garden, from greens to herbs to pansies. To get inspired, keep scrolling to look at some recipes from community members featuring spring items you can find at the market!

In-Season, Spring Produce

  • Beets

  • Bok Choy

  • Broccoli

  • Radishes

  • Spring onions

  • Green onions

  • Potatoes

  • Baby lettuce greens

  • Tatsoi

  • Daffodils

Tatsoi from Nourishing Acres

Daffodils from Cates Corner Farm

Spring Onions from Lyon Farms

Plant starts for your garden

  • Pansies

  • Broccoli

  • Cauliflower

    …and more!

  • Kale

  • Spinach

  • Herbs

  • Lettuce varieties

Keep an eye out for asparagus, strawberries, and snap peas at the market soon!

Spring Recipes

Here are 4 delicious recipes with spring produce you can recreate in your kitchen this season.

  • Servings: 4 - 6

    Ingredients:

    • 3 cloves garlic, chopped

    • ½ cup raw nuts, soaked for 4 hours or overnight (walnuts, pine nuts, or almonds)

    • 3 cups spring greens (use any combination of wild or seasonal greens, such as chickweed, arugula, dandelion leaves, radish greens, etc)

    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

    • 1/2 tsp sea salt

    1. Add garlic and nuts to a food processor and blend until coarsely chopped.

    2. Add spring greens, olive oil, and lemon juice to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add salt to taste. 

    3. Enjoy! Add it on fish, roasted vegetables, pasta, eggs, sandwiches, or pizza. Store pesto covered in a glass container; the pesto will keep for one week. 

  • By Erin Jobe, former Market Manager

    Servings: 12

    Ingredients:

    • 2 large beets (or 3 medium beets), washed and peeled

    • 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled

    • 1 tbsp of tahini

    • Juice from ½ lemon

    • 1 (25-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

    • 3-4 tbsp olive oil

    • 1 tsp salt

    • ½ bunch of cilantro, chopped

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the beets into quarters, then roast for 30-45 minutes. They should still be a bit crunchy. Set beets aside to cool.

    2. Once cooled, add beets, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice to a food processor and blend until everything is finely diced. 

    3. Add chickpeas and olive oil to the food processor and blend on medium until smooth. Stir in salt to taste. 

    4. Mix the cilantro into the hummus with a spoon so it does not get pulverized by the food processor. 

    5. Serve! Enjoy the hummus with cucumber slices, tortilla chips, pita, or crackers.

  • The great thing about frittatas is that you can adapt the recipe to whatever is in season, all year round!

    Servings: 8 to 12

    Ingredients:

    • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

    • 1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus spears, tough ends removed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

    • 8 eggs, beaten

    • 1/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half

    • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 

    • 6 to 8 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

    • Pinch of nutmeg, grated

    • Salt and black pepper (to taste)


    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Oil a 7x11x2-inch or a 2-quart round baking dish.

    2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until tender (3 to 4 minutes). Drain well, refresh in cold water, and drain again.

    3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, cheese, nutmeg, 2 teaspoons salt, and several grinds of pepper.

    4. Heat olive oil over low heat. Add asparagus and sauté for a few minutes to soften. Remove from heat and stir into the egg mixture. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish.

    5. Bake 20-25 minutes or until the top is set and lightly colored. Cool for 8-10 minutes. 

    6. Once cool, cut into squares or wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

  • Servings: 4 - 6

    Ingredients:

    • 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, washed

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 bunch green onions, chopped

    • 2 tbsp olive oil

    • 1 bunch of radishes, washed and sliced

    • 1 tbsp  rice vinegar

    • Juice from ½ lime

    • 1 bunch Cilantro

    • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Corn or flour tortillas, toasted

    1. Cut sweet potatoes into ¾ inch cubes. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan and sauté sweet potatoes and garlic until potatoes have softened. Add in the white part of the onions and cook for a few seconds longer. Add salt and pepper to taste and cover.

    2. Toss radishes with one tablespoon of olive oil and rice vinegar (enough to lightly coat them). Squeeze in two wedges of lime juice and add a small handful of chopped cilantro. Mix ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. The longer this sits, the more pickled it will taste.

    3. Build your tacos, placing the sweet potato and black beans on the tortilla of your choice. Top with the radish slaw, green onions, extra lime, and cilantro. Enjoy with your favorite hot sauce!

Many thanks to our Market community for these recipes! If you have a Market recipe you’d like to share, please send it to assistant@carrborofarmersmarket.com.

We hope you enjoy the bounty of Spring produce at the Market and make some of these recipes to celebrate!

Shopping at CFM 101: How to Navigate the Market

Navigating Saturday Market mornings can be overwhelming, especially as the Main Season nears! To ensure your market experience is enjoyable and fruitful, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the market with ease.

Getting to the Market 

Located in downtown Carrboro, the Carrboro Farmers’ Market is easily accessible by various modes of transportation!

  1. By Car: There are many parking options within walking distance of the Market. Check out the Town of Carrboro parking map for municipal lots and other public parking options. For more information about parking at the market, visit our website.

  2. By Bike: Start your mornings by biking to the Market. There are many bike racks available to keep your bike safe in and around the Market. If you don’t know how to get the Market from your house, explore the extensive bike routes in the Carrboro area. There’s also a bike pump on-site by the compost and ATM if your wheels need a little boost before heading home. 

  3. By Bus: If you don't have a car or bike and live too far to walk to the Market, you can also take the bus to visit us! The Carrboro Farmers’ Market is convenient to the CW, J, and F bus routes from Chapel Hill Transit. The CW and J routes also operate on weekends.

Public Parking Lots from the Town of Carrboro

Information Tent

  1. Ask Questions: Market staff and volunteers are ready to assist you at the information tent! They can answer any questions you may have and help with your Market needs, whether its about vendors, products at the Market, or if you have any feedback you would like to share. 

  2. Buy Merch: Want to show your CFM pride? Check out our wide range of CFM merch, like t-shirts, posters, hats, and beanies, on display at the Information Tent. Our current t-shirts are 30%, but keep an eye out for our new 2025 design from The Splinter Group

  3. Get SNAP/EBT tokens: If you receive SNAP/EBT benefits and want to get Double Bucks to spend at the Market, visit our Information Tent to get your tokens and learn how to use them. You can learn more about the Double Bucks program on the Triangle Double Bucks website. 

Gazebo

Local Artist Becky King playing at Market

  1. Music: We have live music from local artists every Market! You can find out who’s playing at the market beforehand in our newsletter. If you or someone you know is interested in playing at the Market, email us at manager@carrborofarmersmarket.com!

Spring Egg & Chick Market Bunch Activity

2. Market Bunch: We host free kids activities every Wednesday from 3 to 6 PM during the Main Season (from April through November). Learn more about our Market Bunch program on our website!

Helpful Tips & Tricks

  • Want to know if your favorite vendor is coming to the Market? We include a complete list of all the vendors coming to market in our newsletter in addition to news and updates from our farmers. We also post the vendor line-up on our Instagram story before each market (find us on Facebook and Instagram at @carrborofarmersmarket). We love highlighting our vendors and in-season products!

  • Reducing your food waste is easier than ever when you can drop off your compost to the Market! Thanks to Orange County Solid Waste Management and the Town of Carrboro, you can find industrial compost bins by the ATM at the every Saturday market. You can also bring your compost at the Chapel Hill and Eno River farmers’ markets!

  • Bring reusable bags: Whether you’re a basket person or a reusable bag person, bring plenty of bags to hold your farmers’ market purchases (and be sustainable!). Forgot your bag at home? You can get a CFM tote bag for $15 at our Information Tent!


    Cash: Most vendors at the market accept cards. However, if you need cash, we have an ATM on site. 


    Bring a list: Organize your visit! Whether your meal prepping, hosting, or just picking up a few things, bring a list to streamline your shopping experience (don’t be surprised if you get swayed by pastries, flowers, and more!). Make sure the items you are looking for are in-season.

  • Looking for a more relaxed shopping experience? Our mid-week Wednesday Market runs from 3 to 6 PM, April through mid-November. Enjoy live music, free kids activities, and browse around 15 vendors offering produce, flowers, baked goods, and other essential items. After shopping, you can unwind on the lawn and soak in the late afternoon sun.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the market for a more pleasant experience! Our goal is to ensure your experience is not only enjoyable, but also enriching. The market is not only a place for shopping, but is also a place for community members to come together to connect, share, and celebrate. 

Celebrating the Season of Love at CFM

Love in full bloom

Flower display at Rocky Run Farm

It feels like Spring has sprung at the Carrboro Farmers' Market!  The long, cold winter is almost behind us, and fresh flowers are back. We’re counting down the days until the Main Season is here. 

Heart-shaped wreath from Perry-Winkle Farms

Our flower farmers are bringing the best flowers around. For the perfect Valentine’s Day flowers, check out Wild Hare Farm, Rocky Run Farm, Mu Ta K’Paw Gardens, Split Acre Farm for delicate tulips, hyacinths, bright anemones, daffodils, and more. Soon, poppies will be back at the market as well! Look out for more flowers coming from other vendors, like Humble Umbel Farm, McAdams Farm, and Eco Farm.

Though fresh flowers don’t last forever, Perry-Winkle Farm has gifts that will last as long as your love. Their heart-shaped wreaths with dried florals and dried flower bouquets are perfect for an everlasting display of affection in your home. 

Spreading Love

Last Saturday, we had make-and-take Valentine’s Day cards for all our visitors with produce-themed phrases. Join us again tomorrow if you didn’t have a chance to get some for your friends and family. Spread the love in your community and join us at the market!

You can also find Valentine’s-themed items from our vendors to celebrate, like artisanal bread with hearts from Chicken Bridge Bakery, heart-shaped cheese from Boxcarr Handmade Cheese, or an experimental pasta night kit from Red Tail Grains to make with loved ones.

Make-&-Take Valentine’s Day cards at CFM

Bread at Chicken Bridge Bakery

Dinner for two

Want to make your Valentine’s Day extra special? Try making a romantic meal from scratch to celebrate. If your love language is “acts of service” (or just food!), this is a perfect way to show it. To make it easy for you, consider this full course menu inspired by in-season products at the market! 

James Creek Stargazer Ciders

1. Drinks

Start off with a light and refreshing bubbly drink - the James Creek Seven Sisters Blackberry Cider. Made with apples straight from the James Creek orchard, black raspberries, and blackberries, this slightly sweet and tart cider is perfect for celebrating. If blackberry isn’t your style, choose from the wide variety of ciders James Creek offers, like the Beehive Ginger.

2. Appetizer: Market Bruschetta

For the appetizer, we’re making Market Bruschetta. Instead of tomatoes, try supplementing with in-season produce, like marinated beets. Crown your bruschetta with your favorite cheese, like goat cheese, feta, or mozzarella from Chapel Hill Creamery, Celebrity Dairy, and Boxcarr Handmade Cheese. Drizzle with jam or honey (make it hot with Fricks hot honey!), or add a salty touch with prosciutto to perfectly complement your bruschetta.

3. Entrée: Steak with Vegetables

For an impressive and satisfying meal, try preparing a seared steak, seasoned generously with cracked black pepper and your favorite steak seasoning (check our meat vendor list to meet your entrée needs). To complete the meal, add a side of charred cauliflower and toss spicy, fresh arugula in a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the steak.

4. Dessert: Affogato 

Indulge in the perfect after-dinner treat with a classic affogato with locally-crafted gelato, like from Portico 31 Gelato. This simple yet elegant dessert combines the bold flavor of espresso with the creamy sweetness of gelato. While traditional vanilla gelato is always a delightful choice, don't hesitate to get creative and use your favorite flavor. 

Let us know if you make any of these dishes to celebrate this weekend!

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We'd love to hear from you!

Welcoming the CFM Blog!

The Carrboro Farmers' Market team is thrilled to launch our new blog! Stay up-to-date with bi-weekly posts featuring seasonal recipes, market events, updates, and more. We'll be posting all year, so you'll never miss out! Check out what we have in store for 2025:

1. CFM participates in the Southern Piedmont climate-smart project

In 2024, CFM is one of many farmers’ markets to join the Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project led by the Rodale Institute, and we are excited to continue participating in the five-year-long study! The project aims to sustainably increase productivity, reduce greenhouse gases, and enhance the achievement of national food security and development goals by integrating climate-smart agricultural practices on farms throughout Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. 

We’ll be conducting customer surveys throughout the season as part of the study to measure the economic and social impact of the market. CFM is also recruiting farmers to report data on a variety of sustainable practices on their farms. 

Wanna learn more? Visit https://farmingclimatesmart.org/

 

2. CFM leads UNC Masters of Public Health Capstone

CFM is currently leading a UNC Chapel Hill Master of Public Health (MPH) Capstone project with 4 graduate students to create a strategic plan for sustainable growth and impact. The Capstone team will analyze past development, assess current needs, and plan for future growth. This will enable CFM to prepare for its 50th anniversary in 2029 and continue to support farmers, small businesses, and food access efforts as the Market’s impact grows. 

2022 Practicum Student - Nandini Singh

This project is part of a long-standing relationship with UNC-Chapel Hill that we maintain today. CFM was initially organized in the late 1970s as an effort between the Agricultural Marketing Project with a UNC Public Health graduate student to provide an outlet for local farmers to sell their produce regularly while providing townspeople greater access to high-quality fresh produce (for more information about the market’s history, visit our Mission & History webpage). Since then, CFM has also been a site for multiple UNC Chapel Hill MPH Practicum projects. 

 

3. Expanding Double Bucks

Double Bucks is a nutrition incentive program at Triangle area farmers markets that provides a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP/EBT and NC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (both WIC FMNP and Seniors FMNP) benefits. They can buy not just fresh produce, but also local meats and seasonal items, making nutritious food accessible to everyone.

Since 2019, Triangle farmers markets in Orange and Durham counties have been working together to fund and administer their programs as Triangle Double Bucks. The Double Bucks programs in Orange County are in particular need right now: the Durham County Board of Commissioners allocated almost half a million dollars in ARPA funds towards Double Bucks in Durham County, but this funding does not apply to the Orange County markets. Currently, we’ve raised about $17,500 toward our $30,000 goal with our GoFundMe.

We are still working hard to secure long-term grant funding to ensure continued support for our community. We are grateful to our partners Durham County Public Health, Farmer Foodshare, and other local organizations for their support of  Triangle Double Bucks!

Check out our SNAP/EBT & Double Bucks webpage to learn more about CFM’s program.

 

4. Market Bunch kids activities resume Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

Touch-a-Tractor on September 18th, 2024 with the Carrboro Cybrary

We’re planning for Market Bunch and we can’t wait for the Wednesday Market to start once more! Last year, CFM hosted 34 unique activities with over 20 community partners, like local non-profits, the Town of Carrboro, and more. Stay tuned for the activity schedule as we get closer to the start of the season! 

Check out our Market Bunch webpage to learn more about the program.

 

5. looking forward to our first 3 events this spring!

  • Longer days mean longer hours at the market! We’re looking forward to warm, sunny mornings and new spring items, like asparagus, peas, and fresh flowers. 

    CFM will be open from 7 am to noon every Saturday from April through October and we’ll have our mid-week market every Wednesday through November. On Saturday, April 5th, the new 2025 season t-shirts (designed by the Splinter Group) will roll out and be available all season long. Keep your eyes out for the 2025 design reveal! 

    In the meantime, our 45th-anniversary t-shirts and long sleeves are still 30% off. Show your Carrboro pride and grab yours before they run out!

  • Our first event of the Spring is our annual Kids Seedling Day! Join us with Fifth Season Gardening to plant tomato seedlings (from the diverse variety of heirloom seeds from our farmers!) to take home and grow. It’s also the perfect time of the year to get some plant starts to build your garden as summer heat approaches.

  • Only 10 more weeks until strawberry season!

    Last year, CFM celebrated strawberry season with strawberry smoothies made with the Back Alley Bikes blender bike, make + take strawberry art and live screen-printing of limited edition Strawberry Jamboree posters with Peel Gallery and Super G Print Lab, a strawberry trivia raffle, and strawberry specials from our vendors.

Learn more about our events on our website.

 

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We'd love to hear from you!