Hi there

Grey Lynn Farmers Market really appealed to us. It is a small, mostly indoor, urban market based in a Community Centre. They are single use plastic bag free and while they only have one vegetable grower people queue right outside the door to buy their vegetables. All veg and fruit are measured into a plastic container of some sort,( see photo), which is a set price. People pay and empty into their own bags. Drinks are served in reusable cups. This is made easier because they have electricity to wash up dirty cups. In fact everywhere we went, apart from the Whangarei Growers Market, had electricity, purpose built market stalls, indoor areas to run workshops and a greater sense of physical infrastructure than what we enjoy.

I loved the brazier type fire at Matakana to cosy up beside. And yes it was needed because it was really cold first thing. They also provided a sheltered dog shelter with blankets and water and tons of adoring children to pamper pooches while their owners were shopping. This didn’t stop dog owners bringing their dogs into the actual market though.

More on the north island trip next week.

In the meantime we had 62 vendors at the market last week, a record number for this time of the year. It is always a great feeling to see the market fill up again. I think I’m being lulled into a false sense of security that winter is gone and Saturdays will continue to be mild, calm and very pleasant. Please no one disillusion me!

We are still on the hunt for a market chef. This is a great role for an inspired cook with great communication skills and a love of the market. Please contact me to discuss further. I would love to hear from you.

The road works continue (all around the city centre as it happens) so take care getting in and out of the market.

See you Saturday

Kate

This Week in the kitchen

Crooked Spaghetti Co. lemon pasta with garlic & parsley

Produce from

Spinach, banana and coconut smoothie

Produce from Rosedale Orchard

Roast pork ribeye with smoked apple sauce and polenta chips

Produce from Rosedale Orchard

Broccoli and quinoa salad with buttermilk dressing

Produce from Oamaru Organics

Dunford Grove

Ever notice how many photos on the TV weather are from our part of the country?  I can never decide if we should keep the south a secret or just continue to quietly gloat at the poor souls in the north! Anyway, there's scant chance of a photo from here tonight, it's pretty wild with the wind rearranging the outdoor furniture and the poor feather ruffled chickens taking shelter under the Feijoas.

Did you know?

Research published last year shown a link between Extra Virgin Olive Oil consumption with prevention and possible reversal of the effects of Alzheimer's.  The research suggests that extra virgin olive oil - a key component of the Mediterranean diet - may protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Early experiments have shown changes in both cognitive performance and appearance of the nerve cells.

Kapowai Brewing Co.

~ FARMERS MARKET SPECIAL ~

Our market special this week is Lavender, Rosewater & Pear Kombucha. It's brewed on a Darjeeling base, and is sweet and tart, with a lovely floral aftertaste.

~Heidi & Dave

Ettrick Gardens

New Item This Week

Spinach $3.50 A Bag, Also 100% Biodegradeable Bags Made From Plant Material

11 Varieties Of Apples & Pear Varieties

Royal Gala, Aztec, Pacific Rose, Cox’s Orange, Pacific Queen,  Pink Lady, Eve, Braeburn Granny Smith & Sturmer Apples. Winter Nelis Pears

Please Note, We Do Not Export, So We Use Less Sprays We Have Reuseable Net Produce Bags Available To Buy So You Do Not Have To Use Plastic Bags.

Agria, Red Fantasy,  Red Ruby, Heather, Highlander, Jelly & Anushka Potatoes, Yams & Brussel Sprouts, Kale, Cavolo Nero, Lettuce, Silverbeet, Savoy Cabbage And Celery. Red Cabbbage, Leeks, Beetroot, Coloured Carrots, Cauliflower, Brightlights Silverbeet, Carrots, Frost Sweetened Parsnips, Gourmet Washed Potatoes, Jerusalem Artichokes & Celeriac.

Super Special’s This Week

Potatoes 5kg @ $6 (7 Varieties), Yams 500gm & 700gm Smls Only $4, Brussel Sprouts 500gm Only $3

Please Bring Your Reusable Shopping Bags Or Boxes With You. Thank You We Are Now Single Use Shopping Bag Free.

Ettrick Gardens On Your Right At The Main Gate, Or Rapid 5104,  State Highway 8, Ettrick. Central Otago.  03 446 6863

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Community Stall - Cystic Fibrosis Otago

We will have Cystic Fibrosis Otago at the market this week collecting.

The Cystic Fibrosis Otago Branch helps individuals and families living with cystic fibrosis. Whether they need a new nebuliser, a listening ear, information or help with understanding an aspect of CF, welfare or financial assistance - they are there to help.

So if you see them at the market be sure to share the love.

Oamaru Organics

Broccoli

Certified Organic

Check with Nigel on the day

Rosedale Orchard

Greengage Plums & Apricots

Oh Boy these are Good!

Ask vendor on the day