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Written by Sharon on June 06, 2014
During late April and May I took a little time out from my usual shopping routine and decided to check out some of the fine food and farmers markets of Western Sydney. I popped into Farmers Markets at Castle Hill, Warwick Farm and Glenorie on separate weekends. It had been some time since I had visited a farmers market so this was to be a rediscovery tour putting me back in touch with what loved about this market culture.
If you haven't been to a farmers market before you are in for a treat. A Farmers market is a gathering of growers and artisan food producers who sell their produce or product face to face with the general public. This fosters a friendly shopping environment where the products available are seasonal, just picked fresh or uniquely indulgent. You can pick up everything from snap fresh beans to a gourmet scratch made dessert for your Saturday night dinner party.
Its hard to walk past the beautiul basket displays from Werombi Farm Produce at Warwick Farm. I also enjoy finding fresh and interesting ingredients at the farmers markets, have you ever heard of parsley root? The leafy tops of this vegetable are used exactly like parsley while the root end is similar to parsnip, just slightly sweeter and firmer. We enjoyed a bunch baked with a sunday roast lamb.
I loved the range of more unique vegetables like the Romanesco, baby turnips, jerusalem artichokes and coloured vegetables I came across.
I had to hold myself back from the sweets and desserts I saw beautifully displayed at Warwick Farm farmers markets.
At Castle Hill I came across the Aussie Snax company selling their most delicious quinoa bars. I bought these for my sons school lunch box but found I enjoyed them as much as he did. Better still they are produced locally in Baulkham Hills and ticked all the boxes in terms of “healthy snack” They also offer online ordering and cater for gluten and dairy free diets with their heathy low GI snack bars and muesli. Check their web page for more details.
http://www.aussiehealthsnax.com.au/home.php
Many producers offer a tasting of their wares so you get the opportunity to try before you buy.
There is always a good coffee on offer at a farmers market, it’s generally the first thing I look for.
Bread is always my staple purchase, you can find many varieties. These retro looking cans of olive oil caught my eye.
If I have my young son along he gets treated to a farmers market breakfast. If you ever come across “Flemish Flavours” at your local farmers markets I can highly recommend you try their organic fresh waffles topped with fruit and Belgium chocolate. They made ours right before our eyes and it was quite a treat.
If I skip breakfast at the markets I am often inspired to take some fresh ingredients home and create a gourmet breakfast for the whole family.
It was evident from speaking to the stall holders and producers from the Western Sydney Farmers Markets that they are all passionate about their produce and the markets culture. You would need to be dedicated, Most of the producers need to be on the road from 3 am to set up and start trading from around 7 am. The markets only operate for 5-6 hours with no guarantee of income.
I felt farmers markets shopping was ethical towards both farmer and consumer. When you buy face to face with the producer you pay a price that is fair to both parties. It’s no secret that neither of us are not getting the best deal from mass purchasing supermarkets where fresh food is concerned. Supermarkets do have their place in our community, but for me, they are my last port of call when planning the family meals. The farmers markets offer a better deal for both parties with the bonus of fresher produce that lasts longer in your fridge.
This is where you will find some of the farmers markets in Western Sydney
Camden http://www.camdenproducemarket.org
Castle Hill http://www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au/markets/castle-hill-farmers-fine-food-market/
Glenorie http://www.glenoriegrowers.com.au
Penrith http://www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au/markets/penrith-farmers-fine-food-market/
Warwick Farm http://www.warwickfarmtracksidemarket.com.au
I hope you get the opportunity to pop into a local farmers and fine food market soon, let me know what amazing things you find.
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