2017 Heritage Food Project
This year, our chapter focuses on heirloom tomatoes and features the Cherokee Purple tomato.
The Cherokee Purple is one of the darlings of our region, a variety that is locally revered among gardeners and tomato enthusiasts. With its green shoulders and unforgettable flavor, this purple tomato is welcome on sandwiches everywhere.
We are working with the Cherokee Purple in particular this year to introduce heirloom tomatoes to people who may have not grown or eaten them before, and to learn more about its cultural and culinary heritage. This opens the conversation to more experienced tomato growers to learn from one another about other interesting heirlooms, and it sets the stage for working with more rare varieties in seasons to come.
Project Goals
GROW – EAT – SAVE
- To help folks grow and care for heirloom tomato plants through harvest
- To bring people together to eat, celebrate, and share recipes for heirloom tomatoes
- To preserve the stories and seeds of heirloom varieties
Events
In 2017, our chapter will be hosting and otherwise supporting events that bring community together around our project goals.
In spring, we will have tables at local farmers markets to distribute seedlings and information.
April 22
Earth Day Film Screening of Seed: The Untold Story
Doors at 5:30, Film at 6:15, Panel to follow film
Slow Food Asheville will have an info table where we will raffle a gorgeous Ark of Taste Garden Kit! We will also be part of the panel discussion after the film.
May 3
River Arts District Farmers Market
2 pm – 6 pm
Find the Slow Food Asheville table to say hi and pick up your plants!
May 5 – 7
Asheville Herb Fest
Friday 8:30 – 5:00
Saturday 8:30 – 5:00
Sunday 10:00 – 3:00
Find the Slow Food Asheville table (booth 16) to say hi and pick up your plants! Many local vendors will be present and selling a variety of heirlooms and herbs; please consider giving them your business. Stick around for a great line-up of workshops delivered by non-profit groups and local experts right near our booth!
May 10
River Arts District Farmers Market
2 pm – 6 pm
Find the Slow Food Asheville table to say hi and pick up your plants!
In summer, we will be sharing growing tips and lots of gorgeous tomato photos.
August 27 – Tomato Tasting: A Slow Food Celebration
The Wedge at Foundation
5 pm – 7 pm
Slow Food Asheville will be offering free tastings of an array of locally grown heirloom tomatoes. This is also a Happy Hour event in which all community members interested in slow food, gardening, heritage varieties, and/or beer can come together, meet and mingle.
October 17 – Seed Swap
Location TBA
6 pm – 8 pm (subject to change)
Slow Food Asheville is one of many community groups helping to welcome Vandana Shiva, international seed freedom activist, in her visit to Asheville. This welcoming reception and seed swap will facilitate the free seed exchange of local growers and seed savers. Please plan to attend, and prepare if possible by saving some heirloom vegetable or pollinator plant seeds from your plot!
How To Participate
- Sign up as a participant with the Heritage Food Project online or in person at various events throughout the season. This will get you on the email list with project updates, additional resources, event invitations, and maybe a few fun surprises! If you already receive Slow Food newsletters, use this link to update your profile by checking the box for Heritage Food Project.
- Share your heirloom tomato photos via facebook, twitter, and instagram: tag @SlowFoodAvl #slowfoodavl and it may be reposted!
- Find Slow Food Asheville at our information table and tell us how it’s growing!
- Attend Slow Food events such as tomato tastings, workshops, etc.
- Volunteer with Slow Food Asheville. There are a range of opportunities to suit your skills and interest. Please email [email protected] or sign up for our newsletter to find out more.
This year’s Heritage Food Project is made possible by a generous donation from Banner Greenhouses.
Please visit their website to learn more and find out what they offer for the home gardener, farmer, and foodie. Banner Organics offers delivery of beautiful live plants to your door, from grafted heirloom tomatoes to seasonally themed garden mixes. This local company shares the values of Slow Food, so please consider giving them your business.
