Taste, Tradition, and the Appalachian Hustle

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I am at J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works for the Taste of Appalachia showcase. This initiative by Advantage Valley supports growth and market expansion in the local food economy. Vendors from across the region have contributed to themed boxes like brunch essentials, cocktail starters, and tailgate kits. Orders can be placed at tasteofappalachia.com through October 17th, and they make great gifts for any occasion.

I meet Paula Kingry from Dark Hollow Foods. Her business started in 1999 and offers sauces, a meatball mix, and drink mixes. For the Taste of Appalachia box, she contributes the original dark sauce. She says the meatball mix and sauce set is always the favorite and that anyone who tries it ends up buying it.

Next I talk with Coleman Irwin of Harvest Trails from Martinsburg. His company freeze-dries locally sourced fruits and vegetables, removing the water while keeping the nutrients. He shares that their cinnamon apple and lemon slices are featured in the boxes. The cinnamon apple, made from West Virginia apples and dusted with cinnamon, is the crowd favorite.

I also speak with Michael Irvin from Coal River Coffee Company in St. Albans. He and his wife started the company in 2018 and now employ about 14 people. They roast their own coffee and ship worldwide. Their Wild and Wonderful medium roast and Almost Heaven dark roast are included in the boxes. The Wild and Wonderful blend is the top seller because it has balanced flavor that appeals to many coffee drinkers.

As the day wraps up, I remind listeners to visit tasteofappalachia.com by October 17th to order these local gift boxes. I sign off by saying, hustle hard, hustle smart, and hustle with a smile.