It’s been a while since i’ve written about some of the farmers markets i visit. I already blogged about my favourite, but there are a few more.
Today, let me introduce you to islington farmers market. It’s the closest one to me and runs on a sunday morning. If i haven’t been able to go food shopping on a saturday, this is one of 2 places you’ll find me at.
As we’re getting ready for autumn and i’m struggling to let go of summer i kept this post till now in order to prolong the feeling!! The photos were taken back in june so some produce are no longer in season. To me, all seasons at a farmers market are precious but for now let’s bathe in some sunshine and pretend we’re back in june…..
I love nothing better than taking my shopping bags and setting off to a busy and buzzing food market. The anticipation, the feast for the eyes, the mouth watering produces… it never fails to enchant me and evokes feelings of self-nurture.
Of course, i have my favourite stands, so let me introduce you to some of them. First off, wild country organics, the organic salad stall. They grow their own crop and always have interesting produce. Judge for yourselves.
Zucchini flowers, or also known as courgette flowers. A true delicacy. Here’s a recipe for stuffed zucchini.
Aubergine or, for some of you, eggplant.
Ridged cucumbers. Yum!
What i particularly like is the unusual produce they sell. Here are some edible flowers. I love decorating a salad with them.
Some verbena leaves, also known as vervain. I use them for making tea.
Elderflower heads. Have you ever made a drink with them? No? Recipe follows!
Ingredients: 30g elderflower heads, 1 litre boiling water, 500g caster sugar, 100ml lemon juice, 1 sliced orange, 2 sliced lemons.
Method: Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl. Stir well and leave to cool. Add the lemon juice, the orange and lemon slices and then the flowers. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain into a bottle. Done!
Another great stand is windrush valley goat dairy. All their produce is made from the milk of their herd of 32 pedigree british saanen goats in the cotswolds. They use only traditional cheese-making methods. Being diary intolerant, i treat myself from time to time to a little bit of sheeps or goats yoghurt and feta cheese. But if you love cheese, you will love their products. They are known for making the best baked cheese cake ever. I tried it once and it was out of this world!
A german bread stand. Artisan foods. No mean feat. We all know german bread is best! In fact, they have the most delicious 100% rye bread in the whole of london.
The tomato stall. Yep, that’s all they do.
Now i hope for those who are vegetarian, vegan or simply fish free, you don’t take offence to the next photos. I love fish and no market shop is complete without it. I’ve been a supporter of small produce sellers for many years and in particular i like to buy the freshest fish possible. There is nothing better than to buy from people who fish themselves. That’s what i do.
I’m a bit obsessed with oily fish. It can be fresh sardines, herring or mackerel or simply smoked trout, mackerel or salmon. Whatever i can find i take.
I like to eat sustainable fish as much as possible and this kind of fish shopping lends itself to it. If you don’t like fish, look away!
Let’s end with chegworth valley. Their varieties of apple juices are what makes them unique and i dare you to try them. I also really like their apples and pears and other fruits in season.
I don’t know about you but i’m now hungry. I hope you’ve enjoyed some of this little food tour and maybe i’ve inspired you to visit a farmers market from time to time. All the stalls travel around the country, so look at my links for dates and locations. Next week i’ll introduce you to broadway market, a slightly different and more edgy place.
Have you got any favourite recipes with some of the ingredients i showed you here? Do tell! Have a great weekend whatever you’re up to. I shall see you back here on monday. For those who have tickets for the last days of the paralympic games or indeed to the closing ceremony, enjoy!! It’s been a fantastic summer!!!