The fruit and vegetables may be covered in mud or look odd shapes but taste as fresh as they should do!
One of the oldest forms of direct marketing, from the traditional "mercados" in the Peruvian Andes to the unique street markets in Asia, growers all over the world gather weekly to sell their produce directly to the public. In the last decade they have become a favourite for many farmers, and a weekly ritual for many shoppers. There are over 500 farmers’ markets in the UK, with only around half being FARMA (National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association) certified. For a market to be certified it has to offer local produce, the principle producer needs to be represented, the basic raw produce must be grown or reared by the stall holder, where as pickled, baked, brewed products must be processed by the stall holder and have at least one local ingredient. Farmers’ markets still have to comply with food safety trading standards so you can feel comfort in the same health standards you should expect in any food shop.
You may think though, what’s so special about shopping at a farmers’ market? Well nowhere else do you find such a mixture of fresh and locally produced food, nor will you find the same vibrant, lively atmosphere in a supermarket.
To buy and cook with British seasonal produce is a real pleasure! Especially if you buy localally. You get to find out what products are in season and maybe even get some cooking advice as well! Fresh, seasonal foods are full of flavour and higher in vitamins and minerals because they have not had to travel a long way. It also means you are supporting your local economy, reducing the energy (and associated CO2 emissions) needed to grow and transport such foods, avoid paying a premium for food and reconnect with nature’s cycles and the passing of the time.
Abundant food in season is also good value and often lower in price and so much FRESHER and so tends to be TASTIER and more nutritious!
With summer on its way make the most of your local farmers’ market. Often only a walk away from home, so why not visit your nearest farmers’ market? And with a bit of planning too can mean you have enough to keep you going all week, and make nutritious cooking simple.
There are now hundreds in Britain right on your doorstep and to find your nearest farmers market go to
http://www.farmersmarkets.net/
Here is a selection to start with:
West Bridgford farmers’ market, Nottingham
Central Avenue, West Bridgford, Nottingham, every second and fourth Saturday of the month between 9-12pm
Melton Mowbray farmers’ market, Leicestershire website
Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, every Tuesday and Friday, between 8am-12pm
St Giles farmers' market, Shipbourne, Kent website
St. Giles Church, Stumble Hill every Thursday, between 9-11am
For more farmers’ markets in Kent go to www.kfma.org.uk
Winchester farmers’ market, Hampshire website
Middle Brook Street, second and last Sunday of the month
Stroud farmers' market, Gloucestershire website
Cornhill Market Place, every Saturday 9am to 2pm.
Kings Norton farmers’ market, Birmingham website
The Green in King Norton held the second Saturday of the month
Cardiff Riverside farmers' market website
Fitzhamon Embankment held every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm
Wirral Urban farmers’ market, New Ferry website
New Ferry's Village Hall held every second Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm
Hexham farmers’ market, Northumberland website
Hexham Auction Mart (Jan-April), The Market Place (May-August), held the second and fourth Saturday of the month
Alnwick farmers' market, Northumberland website
Market Place held on the last Friday of the month 9 am to 2 pm
Orton farmers' market, Cumbria website
Held the second Saturday of the month
Haverfordwest farmers' market, Pembrokeshire
Riverside Quay, held on alternate Fridays, 9am to 3pm Tel: 01437 776 168
Bristol Slow Food market website
Corn Street Wednesday 9.30am to 2.30pm, and the Slow Food Market, Corn Street, the first Sunday of the month, 10am to 3pm.
Edinburgh farmers' market, Scotland website
Castle Terrace, held every Saturday, 9am to 2pm
For farmers’ markets in London look at www.lfm.org.uk where you can find information on the freshest local, home grown produce.
