A closer look at the Taste of Appalachia Showcase and West Virginia food makers

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I am at J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works for the Taste of Appalachia Showcase, an Advantage Valley initiative that features gift boxes filled with West Virginia-made foods available until October 17 at TasteofAppalachia.com. I talk with Mary and Travis Smith of Tipsy Roo’s about their sauces like Peach Jalapeno Rum and Brew Berry, and Travis shares his love for freeze-dried fruit. Duane Legg from Legacy Foods tells me about their cinnamon apple butter, hot pepper jelly, and apple cider vinaigrette, with the jelly being the most popular. Zack Fairchild of Blue Smoke Salsa highlights their blueberry jalapeno salsa, developed with Chef Paul Smith, as a crowd favorite. Lillian Kratc from J.Q. Dickinson explains they contributed burnt caramel sauce and heirloom finishing salt, with the traditional salt standing out as their bestseller. I wrap up by encouraging listeners to order a box and support local makers across the region.