07/31/2026
In a chat with our friend Lori, we gushed over our mutual love for farmers markets. (Not hard to do; we have the best markets here in WNC!)
Do you know Lori? The herbalist, wildcrafter, and kitchen witch behind Appalachian Kitchen & Hearth Witch, she is a longtime Well Seasoned Table collaborator (her fire cider mash has been part of many seasoning blends over the years!) and true advocate for the local food economy here in Asheville.
Her advice for shopping local more often? Start small. "Find one or two items that you can completely source locally. Let that be the beginning." That's it. Once you notice the difference, the rest tends to follow.
Lori leads by example. Last year her small business invested $12,000 back into the community for ingredients from local farmers. She also serves on the board for Asheville Herb Fest and just wrapped six years as President of the Weaverville Tailgate Market board. If there is a way for her to support small businesses and local food in our area, she does it.
And, she reminded us of something that we should all keep in mind as food safety scares become increasingly commonplace: during Helene, when grocery shelves emptied, the farmers markets didn't. "That's where the produce was. That's where the eggs were. That's where the meat was." Proof of what local food systems can do when it matters most.
We have been loving Sister of Mother Earth vinegar bitters and infused honeys this summer. Go get some and let us know what you think!
