Inside the Taste of Appalachia Showcase

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I’m at J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works for the Taste of Appalachia showcase. Advantage Valley puts this together to help local food producers reach new markets and grow their businesses. Each vendor offers something unique for the curated gift boxes available at www.tasteofappalachia.com, with orders due by October 17.

I start with Brad Pinard from Appalachian Cellar, part of Mountain State Co-op. His group supports more than 30 farmers by marketing and distributing their products. For the gift boxes, they feature jams from JarHead Farms and granola and pancake mix from Hinerman Farms. Brad says the Christmas jam, with cranberries and strawberries, has been a favorite today.

Next, I talk with Paul Ronk from Lincoln County. His family makes pure maple syrup and a cinnamon-infused version that’s been their top seller. Paul says they started 11 years ago and make everything themselves on the farm. He insists that nothing beats 100% pure maple syrup.

Then I meet Brenda Burdette and Sarah McCoy from Sassy Gals Gourmet Treats. They make dips and roasted pecans by hand. Their contributions include apple pie moonshine pecans, bourbon pecans, and dip mixes like loaded potato and bacon onion. Brenda says the garden vegetable dip has been the biggest hit, while Sarah adds that the bourbon pecans are crowd favorites.

Finally, I talk with Rick and Connie Martin of We B Frying. They make “make-believe pork rinds” from wheat, which have the same crunch as the real thing. They offer hot and spicy for the tailgate box and a pizza flavor for the snack box. Connie shares that their CinnaLocos flavor is named after their late dog, Loco.

Each table I visit shows the creativity and pride of local makers. The Taste of Appalachia boxes let people across the country experience a little of what makes West Virginia special. I wrap up reminding everyone to visit www.tasteofappalachia.com before October 17 to order and support these hardworking producers.