There is something so enticing about fresh food markets. Maybe it’s the mouth-watering aroma of just-baked breads, or the immensely satisfying vision of gleaming fruit and vegetables, piled high. Or perhaps it’s simply the sheer novelty of not knowing exactly what you’re going to find each time (and secretly hoping for surprises).
Whatever it is, I am addicted!
I can’t seem to let a weekend go by without grabbing my trusty basket and stopping in at one market or another, picking up something fresh and seasonal, trying something new every time.
Slow food is where it’s at. Food that’s been created with care, using quality ingredients. Food that doesn’t contain unpronounceable additives and preservatives designed to give it a better shelf life. Food that’s healthy and tastes delectable, and makes you feel happy.
Ask where your food comes from, at a supermarket, and you’re likely to get a blank stare. Ask the same question at a farmers’ market, and you’re in for all the fabulous detail. Passion, art, enthusiasm, care – these are the things you’ll find at market, in abundance. So, if you love your food, take a Saturday morning off, and head for your local farmers’ market. It’s an experience you won’t forget, and my guess is you’ll soon be back for more.
Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
This is a market that has it all – live entertainment, tantalising tastings, friendly vendors, the works. There’s all the ‘glam’ of the Neighbour Goods Market (see Issue 1), but without its frenetic pace. Here, you can kick back, relax, and eat until you’re sated… and then still be tempted to take something home with you.
What you’ll find there: All products made and sold at this market must be “grown, raised, caught, preserved or transformed” by the producers themselves. So, this is a space filled with artisans, passionate local and regional farmers and specialty producers, all of whom endeavour to use natural and sustainable materials, methods and principles. And it shows… the quality is outstanding, and the dedication to responsible and sustainable practices unswerving.
You’ll see cool green swathes of perky organic seedlings, gather up gleaming organic vegetables picked only hours before, gawk curiously at heirloom tomatoes of shapes, sizes and colours you wouldn’t have imagined possible.
There’ll be olives, and pestos and pastes and pickles. And crunchy fresh-baked artisan breads of all shapes and sizes. Be tempted by old-fashioned rose-water Turkish Delights, tantalised by tarts (the edible kind) and mesmerised by melt-in-the-mouth chocolate creations.
You’ll want to try: Ellen von Maltitz’s splendiferous chocolate truffles (aptly named ‘Theobroma – food of the gods) in a dazzling array of sometimes unusual flavours. A refreshing and alarmingly healthy organic smoothie from the Ethical Co-op. Samples from Chrisna’s overflowing tubs of olives (particularly the gargantuan green kind). Fabulous snoek pate and smoked angel fish from the family-run Fish Deli.
Look out for the market’s themed events, usually based on seasonal specialties like strawberries, mushrooms, asparagus and so on – they can be especially fun.
Possible downsides: Hard to find any, but one thing you may have difficulty getting is available seating. So, if you go in a group, and are planning to stay for some time, make sure to claim a spot early, and take turns in wandering through the stalls.
Where: Bosman’s Crossing, Stellenbosch.
When: Every Saturday, 9am to 2pm – rain or shine – with the exception of a brief timeout between Christmas and the first week of the new year.
Contact: Paula Kennedy 072 512 5608; email slowfood@slowmarket.co.za
Website: www.slowmarket.co.za
Parking: This is a very popular market. Don’t be surprised to find yourself parking up on grassy embankments and walking the rest of the way.
But, it isn’t too long a walk, and is most definitely worth it.
Porter Estate Produce Market
(Cape Town, Western Cape)
This market is perfect for anyone looking for a kid-friendly laid-back outdoor environment in which to spend a long lazy food-filled Saturday morning.
Set amongst the trees on the fringes of Tokai forest, the market’s rustic setup is perfect for slow browsing, wandering up one pine-needled lane and down the other, then stopping off for some hearty farmstyle breakfast, washed down with a revitalising cup of potent ‘moerkoffie’.
There’s plenty of seating dotted about, and pulling up a tree-trunk stool at a tree-trunk table can be quite a novelty.
What you’ll find there: Fresh organic produce, free range Karoo lamb and organic sprouts of all shapes, flavours and sizes (plus some handy sprouting kits for anyone wanting to grow some at home). Fabulous hand-made cheeses, gourmet pies and beautifully decorated cakes and tarts.
If food’s not all that’s on your mind, there are also colourful bunches of fresh-cut flowers, a variety of indigenous seedlings and potted plants, a selection of hand-woven baskets, beautiful rough-wood picture frames and inexpensive worm farm kits.
You’ll want to try: One of the many hunger-busting varieties of Knead Bakery’s slow-baked loaves. These artisan bread-makers have made this seemingly basic item into a treat to be savoured. Ciabattas, olive and plain, sour-dough ryes… they even have delicious wheat-free varieties like corn rolls and 100% rye.
Sink your teeth into one of Marinella’s delicious home-baked pies, and take home one of her addictive preserves – her eggplant in olive oil is out of this world! (Marinella’s Pies and Preserves)
Possible downsides: Being very much an outdoor venue, this market is at the mercy of the elements – whether manifested in the downpours of winter, or the melting heat of summer. But, on the whole, the market is more often on, than off.
Where: Chrysalis Academy Grounds, Tokai.
When: Saturday mornings 9am-1pm. Weather permitting.
Contact: Email office@pepmarket.co.za or call 082 823 4121
Website: www.pepmarket.co.za
Parking: There’s usually plenty, but it can get very busy, especially in summer, so it’s best to go early if you want a spot near the market. Entrance fee of R5 per car (donated to the students of Chrysalis Academy, who assist with parking).
Karkloof Farmers’ Market
(Midlands, Kwa-Zulu Natal)
This family-orientated farmers’ market lies in the heart of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands and is firmly focused around the best, freshest produce the area has to offer.
What you’ll find there: Given its focus, this is the kind of market that’s all about food, with around thirty-five stalls offering a wonderful variety of organic vegetables, artisan breads, Fairtrade and organic coffees and more.
The market’s cosy, friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for families, and there are several ways of keeping the little ’uns entertained. So, whilst the more hyperactive members of your troop hurtle off to the jungle gym or giant sandpit to let off some steam, the rest of you can take a well-earned break and grab a hearty breakfast of fresh bagels and decadent toppings, fortifying yourself for the day ahead.
You’ll want to try: The Old Mill Coffee Shop, a favourite stop of coffee-loving market-goers. Whilst you’re at it, why not buy some organic coffee beans from Bean There. Not only will you be supporting small coffee growers in Africa, but the caffeine boost you’ll get should keep you going all day!
And, be sure to pick up a loaf of fresh-baked Wild Yeast Bread, from the Wild Bread Company… to be devoured with relish when you eventually make your way back home.
Possible downsides: The market ends pretty early, so if you’re someone who likes to sleep in on Saturdays, you might only catch the tail end of it.
Where: Along Karkloof Rd, near Howick. KZN Midlands.
When: Every Saturday, rain or shine, from 7am to 11am.
Contact: Andrea 082 820 8986
Website: karklooffarmersmarket.co.za
Parking: Plenty. The market building is located on the grounds of an old saw mill, so there’s lots of space and parking shouldn’t be an issue.
Greyton Morning Market
(Greyton, Western Cape)
The Greyton Morning Market is an institution in this small, tidy Overberg town. On Saturday mornings, day-trippers, weekenders and residents alike all meander down to the Market Square to see what’s on offer for the week.
The market is well laid out, under a number of shade-providing trees, with permanent thatched wooden stalls that afford traders added protection from the elements.
What you’ll find there: Almost everything that’s for sale will have been made, grown or sourced from the area. A few regular traders come from as far as Napier but, for the most part, it’s likely what you’re buying originated in a garden or kitchen just down the road.
Pick up a few local cheeses and olives and pickles and sauces. Sample some of the town’s famous home made lemon syrups and juices and satisfy hunger pangs with a few hot pancakes, whipped up as you watch and covered with delicious toppings (look out for the lemon curd in winter!).
Scoop up a few organic seedlings and small potted plants for your garden back home. Spoil yourself with some juicy jams and pretty preserves and stock up on fresh free range eggs, laid that very morning, a few hundred metres away.
There’s not always a huge selection of fresh organic vegetables at this market, but you will find a modest assortment of seasonal produce grown at the homes of Greyton residents. Fresh basil, zesty lemons, just-plucked herbs – whatever’s growing that week, is what you’re likely to find.
You’ll want to try: Make straight for the stall piled high with jars of bright white feta, olives, sauerkraut, raw honeys and the best plain yoghurt on the planet. It’s easy to spot, and there’s a reason he sells out so fast.Then, look out for the lady selling rounds of brightly clad cheddars, in a fabulous range of hues and flavours. You can taste before you buy. Try the cumin and stinging nettle varieties, and take some home with you.
Possible downsides: Only that you might miss out on some of the best stuff by not getting there as early as you possibly can! Stocks are limited, so things do sell out quickly. That, and the fact that you probably can’t get there every weekend if you don’t live nearby.
Where: Market Square, Greyton.
When: Every Saturday morning from 10am until midday (or until sold out). Being an outdoor market it is weather-dependent, but there is some shelter, so unless the rain is coming down in buckets, chances are it’ll be on.
Contact: Email: greytoninfo@mweb.co.za
Website: www.greyton.net
Parking: Plenty – you’ve got the whole of the main street to park in. In fact, if you’re in Greyton, you’re probably staying there, which takes care of the parking problem altogether!
