Hi there

We welcome back Sher & Rob from Earnscleugh Orchards Co-op this weekend up on the platform. I recently got to meet the growers from the orchards in their co-op dotted around Alexandra, it was great to visit and see the growers on a hot Central Otago day, hopefully they get lots more of those to ripen a slower ripening season so far. 

Chef Amy will be in the Market kitchen this weekend cooking you a delicious Willowbrook Apple & Hazelnut Estate Cake & fritters – she will have recipes to give out & we will put them up in the newsletter next week.

Every one’s favourite Alysan Willocks, will be back in her usual spot by the caravan this weekend with her Balclutha posies.  These are sure to sell out fast!  And she will be there for the next few weeks.

Company of Flowers are due to have their very baby shortly, so this weekend is the last until sometime in the new year.  Be sure to pop by & get in your orders for Esther’s gorgeous rustic bouquets. 

Don’t forget that the best way to help those in need right now is to contribute to the Kiwi Harvest Crate by the Market caravan.  The wonderful team at Kiwi Harvest collect from there & from our Market vendors each Saturday lunchtime and then it’s distributed to local charities who make sure it gets to the right communities in need. 

Check out our NEW Upcycled Cutlery Keep Kits in the caravan this weekend (see photo).  Chef Amy has been sewing these up over the last few months made using material napkins & recycled cutlery. Great to keep in your bag, car, bring to the Market and use with any food you takeaway.  Just throw the empty wrap in the washing machine if it gets mucky after use.  Great gift idea.  $20 cash or bank transfer each at the Market caravan, all are quite unique. 

For those of you who maybe isolating or homebound we have a few vendors that can deliver to your door during the week, Brightside Microgreens, Gilberts Fine Foods, Ettrick Gardens (veg boxes), Waewae (vege boxes), Ronia & Pippi, Agreeable Nature Eggs, Blue Mountain Butchery, Tartan Sari, Dunford Grove, Evansdale Cheese, Oamaru Organics, Port Larder, Harbour Fish, Havoc Pork, Blueskin Bay Honey, Wild Dispensary, Judge Rock Wines, Hazelnut Estate, Matheson & Roberts, Bennies Honey, Whitestone Cheese, NZ Nuts, Breads & More, Dunedin Craft Distillery, Princes St Butchery & others.  You can find their details in our ORDER NOW button on our website www.otagofarmersmarket.org.nz

Bring CASH as some of our vendors are cash only. Remember your keep cup / mug (if you forget, check with your beverage vendor if they have spares to borrow to save on a single use throw out cups – which are just not cool!), we will keep supplying them with cups where needed, it’s up to us all to make use of this.  And remember your containers, produce bags, etc look for the ReUse posters on vendors that accept packaging back.

Remember, that only all our authenticated, verified Otago Farmers Market vendors are all within our gates who have our tick of approval.  Make sure you support them inside the Market carpark & platform & you will get a quality product. 

Not long to go now!  Our Christmas Market lands on Saturday 24^th December this year and will be an early 6:30am – 11am one, we can operate like the old pre covid days & lock off gates till opening this year - which always creates a frenzied rush of shoppers for Christmas day supplies & customers wanting coffee & brunch. The following Market is then New Year’s Eve morning Saturday 31^st December – there are no extra markets over the festive period, just all the usual Saturdays so nice & straight forward.  

Please respect everyone’s space & feel free to wear your mask. 

Shop your way around Otago this weekend…. at the Market!  See you Saturday.

Ngā mihi

Michele

Market Manager

Header Image:  Wild Dispensary

This Week in the kitchen

PUFF PASTRY WITH STICKY APPLES & HAZELNUTS

Produce from Holy Cow Ettrick Gardens Rosedale Orchard Hazelnut Estate Willowbrook Orchard

Tomato, Olive and Basil Baked Tempeh

Produce from Janefield Paeonies and Hydroponics Caithness Farm Ltd Rosedale Orchard Waewae Permaculture Dunford Grove

Earnscleugh Orchard are Back!

Hi, we are finally back and looking forward to catching up with you all!

We will bring some delicious Alexandra new season cherries. Our weather is not playing ball and the stone fruit is a little late as we are not getting enough sun.

But fingers crossed we might have some early apricots to bring, but will not know until our Friday pick. 

Come and see us up on the platform look out for the big RED van. 

Remember, we will be taking Christmas orders so you can avoid the long Christmas eve lines. 

Txt 021 455341 for orders or email Sher.randle@gmail.com 

Looking forward to seeing you. Sher & Rob

Wild Dispensary

Thanks to everyone for all your support this year. It’s so appreciated, and we wish you a long and happy summer. Merry Christmas!

We’ve had a busy spring harvesting Californian poppy, Thyme, Horehound and Elderflower from Central Otago. We are now setting our sights on St John’s Wort and a local harvest with growers Skye and Jed at Vern Paddock Project in Mihiwaka – of our Calendula and Chamomile. After this busy harvest and production season, we’ll be taking 3 weeks off to be with family and have a rest.

We won’t be at Christmas Markets on the 24th so we would like to offer some market deals on the 10th and 17th. We’ll be back at the Markets in mid-January and look forward to seeing you all then.

2 of our Holiday Favourites will be 40% off their usual price:

Rest and Calm – Usually $34.95- now $20 (Great for stress and sleep support).

Vira Defence Elixir- Usually $34.95- now $20 (Great as a powerful first response for immune and respiratory support).

Both these are 100ml droppers- making them an excellent choice for when you’re on the go or away from home.

Free Digestive Tea with purchases over $50.

Ruth, Skye and the Wild D Team

Tartan Sari

I’m attempting to do 3 markets this weekend with a little help from the whanau- phew (you can find out more about those on social media. I will be fully stocked this week with all your favourites; Chutney, Seed Crackers, and heaps of pickles and curry pastes.

Need some gift ideas? Why not buy that special foodie in your life a packet of our Spicy Seeds and Nuts and a jar of Rechard Masala? It comes with the recipe so they can make some more when they run out! Otherwise, our 2-jar gift boxes are a cute gift too. Danielle

Ettrick Gardens Market Specials

Buy direct from the grower!!! Better quality at a better price!!!

Strawberry Time

Beautiful Paeonies😊 

New Potatoes spray-free and delicious 

Spray-free gooseberries 

Spray-free spring cabbage & kale 

Radishes spray-free

Bunches of spring carrots 😊

Walnuts spray-free, Whole and Shelled 

Royal Gala and Pacific Queen Apples

Granny Smith, Braeburn, & Fuji apples

Most of our vegetables are spray free! 

Frozen free-flow strawberries and blackcurrants.

SPRAY-FREE BLACKCURRANTS SPECIAL – 1 KG @ $15 “OR” 2 KG FOR $25!!!

Our courier service to your door is available anytime.

Or “click & collect” from us at the Otago Farmers Market or our Ettrick shop.

Email j.hpreedyege@actrix.co.nz for our latest order form and we can add you to our weekly update. 

Ettrick Gardens: On your right at the main gate, or rapid 5104, state highway 8, Ettrick. Central Otago. 021 151 8203. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

Who Ate All the Pies?

A Merry Christmas from everyone at Who ate all the Pies? 

This year, and only at the Otago Farmers Market we’ve made sure we have got ‘Gourmet Savouries’ that you can rely on 10 for $10 - be quick, first come first serve!

AND possibly our finest product, the 1kg slab of Pork Pie Heaven. Hand-made, rustic, and the first thing that will disappear off the Christmas table - served hot or cold, up to 16 slices of our sweetened pork wrapped in a traditional hot crust pastry.

Legend dictates that Santa brings all our hard-working bakers one every Christmas, make sure you get one too! Only at the Farmers Market $20.

Steve 

Stonehurst Gourmet Mushrooms & Herbs

Living Christmas gifts🎄 Order your mixed herb pot today - come check out the combos: Stress-less, Taste of Italy, Taste of France, Tea-Pot, First Aid pot, and more. x3 herbs per ceramic black pot - please note stocks are limited🎄 Kate

Dunford Grove

I remember a kid at primary school nicknamed 'Bird Brain', which definitely wasn’t complimentary! My girlfriends here have me revising childhood prejudices, these guys are good company out in the grove, infinitely curious about anything happening and here there’s a bit of avian supervision of me chasing down a leak in the irrigation. Not sure now how I feel about turkey later this month!

Did you know?

In multiple tests of cognitive and behavioural sophistication, chickens outperform not just dogs and cats but four-year-old human children. Sandy 

Stonehurst Gourmet - Herb of the Week

MAIDENHAIR TREE (Ginkgo biloba)

Generally, one doesn't think of trees as 'herbs' but there are several species which fall into the 'herbal tree' category.  

The Maidenhair Tree is eventually a large tree but, extremely slow growing - these are one of oldest species in the world that are currently still alive today with fossils dating back some 200 million years!

The beautiful, bright green, fan shaped leaves which give this plant is common name turn golden in the autumn. 

Trees are either male or female with only the female producing the small plum sized fruits IF there is a male within the area. 

Generally the Ginkgo is classed as a 'health benefit' herbal tree versus culinary one - the exception being the fruits. The fruits are generally roasted and are classed as a delicacy by some as the aroma is said to be somewhat unpleasant for most!

Tea is made from either the leaves or seeds and is said to help asthma and coughs. There are also studies of herbal infusions of Ginkgo helping with memory loss and has been in many Alzheimers and dementia trials. Other studies have shown that Ginkgo teas can help with blood circulation problems like diabetes, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

(NB: If you are going to take fresh Ginkgo as a supplement please consult your medical professional.)

A pale brown dye is/was extracted from the inner bark of well established trees. 

Concentrated Ginkgo extract is currently being trialed as a possible organic insecticide for use on vegetable plants. 

A pretty looking tree for shade in the garden. Resistant to infection & frost hardy. Wind, pollution and drought tolerant (when established). Full sun. Can be kept small by containing it in a pot. Deciduous.  Kate

Marie's Plant Based Food Specials

ALL VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE (may contain traces of gluten) 

We have two new gourmet low-sugar jams, perfect for Christmas! - 340g jar for $8.

- Strawberry & blueberry 

- Pear & gooseberry 

Also, we said goodbye to our sauce for our tempeh burger: tomato & olive which has been replaced by tomato & jalapeno (mild), all made from scratch, so delicious!  See you at the market.  Marie

FERMENTED VEGETABLES 

- *Sauerkraut (*Green cabbage with onion & garlic $14, or just cabbage $13) for 380g   

- *Kimchi - (*green cabbage, onion, ginger, garlic & Korean red pepper & chilli ). Mild, medium, or hot is available, please let me know which you like - 380g for $15  

SEASONAL 

- #Daikon MEDIUM/HOT KIMCHI STYLE - $14 for 360g

-SEASONAL KIMCHI:  *Chinese & *green cabbage, #Jerusalem artichoke, #carrot, pumpkin, #yam, onion, ginger, garlic, Korean pepper, - mild, medium, or hot is available - $16 for 380g

- Almost finished #Carrots, #beetroot, #celery, ginger, turmeric & horopito - $15 for 360g

- NEW #Daikon, #cauliflower, #celery , #beetroot, turmeric, & ginger – 360g for $14.

                                  * organic #spray free 

FRESH TEMPEH: Green split lentils, brown rice seed & linseed

Freshly made every week from different beans, cereals, and seeds. 

1 packet (225g) for $8 or 2 packets for $15 - enquire if you would like more.         

GOURMET LOW-SUGAR JAM:  

270g jar for $6: Strawberry, feijoa

1 mix: Gooseberry & blueberry: $7 

1 mix: Blueberry, strawberry, & raspberry: $7

310g/340g jar for $7 or $8: Plum, apricot, rhubarb, and nectarine 

1 mix: Pear & raspberry

1 mix: Rhubarb, nectarine & raspberry  

New 1 mix: Strawberry & blueberry 

New 1 mix: Pear & gooseberry 

SWEET PANCAKES SANDWICHES:

SPECIAL: Pear and gooseberry low-sugar jam, vegan custard & roasted hazelnut $8.50  

BANOFFEE: date butterscotch, vegan custard & fresh banana $9

BOUNTY: dark chocolate & shredded coconut custard $8.50 

TEMPEH BURGER: $11: Choose between crunchy peanut sauce, plum & spices sauce, or tomato & jalapeno (NEW). Add some of my popular kimchi, sauerkraut, or purple pickled vegetable.

They all have an organic, fresh tempeh patty, green salad, sprouts and mayonnaise.

VEGAN CHEESE SANDWICH: $8: Choose between pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, or both, served with salad. 

VEGAN CHEESE: Made from NZ spray-free soybeans & organic chickpeas, and culture. Available with herbs or Kimchi

*Spread 180g for $7 *Round cheese 120g for $9

No.8 Distillery

The No. 8 Distillery team will be up on the platform with our award winning little Ouzo. They will also have a range of other liquors including a fresh batch of Limoncello, Peach liqueur, Pineapple Rum and the world's best contemporary Horopito Gin & so much more! I will have plenty of samples available this Saturday.  Julien

Community Stall - K9MD (K9 Medical Detection)

K9MD look forward to catching up with all their supporters and letting you all know about advances that have been made over the last year at our base at Ag-Research.  We are now even closer to offering our world leading early cancer detection service with the best noses in the land working their tails off for you! Calendars, books, and K9MD leashes available for purchase. 

K9 Medical Detection New Zealand Charitable Trust's mission is to improve the health of all New Zealander's by using specially trained dogs working in a controlled clinical environment to assist in the detection of cancer and other diseases. To create a simple diagnostic urine test as a value added tool in the fight against cancer.

Kiwi Harvest ‘Pay it Forward Bin’

The crate will be near the Market caravan at the main middle gate - look for a flag on top & if you feel like donating something extra from your shopping then Kiwi Harvest will collect each Saturday lunchtime & it gets distributed out to local charities for those in need this week.

Keeping Well

Everyone welcome but PLEASE STAY AWAY IF UNWELL (vendors & customers).

Please only handle food & produce that you are going to buy.  

Please respect everyone’s space & feel free to wear your mask. 

Please sneeze into your elbow.

Feel Free to Share this Newsletter with Your Community.

Communities helping Communities

Support LOCAL Small Businesses

No Dogs allowed in the Market apart from care dogs.

No Fliers / Pamphlets to be distributed at the Market please.