Return to the old ways by combing farmer’s markets for the freshest, tastiest and most varied produce. It’s ever so social too!
Forget about the anonymity of supermarket shopping. At local country markets you’re assured that everything on sale has been grown, reared, baked or made by hardworking farm folk. Touch and smell the fruit, ask how the meat was reared and get the low-down on making jam.
But more to the point: the produce hasn’t been transported many kilometers to distant supermarket distribution centres, then shunted in trucks to each store. So, less processing, less packaging and less chemical preservatives to survive long journeys. It helps that it’s cheaper too.
CAMPHILL COUNTRY MARKET
Surrounded by farms, beautiful gardens and shady trees, there’s a bounty of organic vegetables, fruits and herbs; the bakery’s renowned breads, biscuits and rusks; yoghurts and cheeses to be found. Added to the mix are plants, fragrant soaps, lotions, crafts, jewellery and crystals.
Sit down to a cuppa with freshly baked cakes, bacon and egg rolls, quiches, wraps or salads. With music adding a festive note, children can play on the jungle gym or pet the farm animals. And everyone is welcome to cool off in the pool or join the tractor rides.
When: first Sunday of the month, 10 – 2. Where: Camphill Village, 103 Klein Dassenberg Rd (off the N7’s Kalbaskraal/Chatsworth/Atlantis turn-off); ph 021 5718651. Pet-friendly.
HOPEFIELD MARKET
Artisanal food from local talents offer foodies plenty taste sensations. A great venue for sharing ideas and opinions with fellow epicures.
When: every Saturday, 10 – 1. Where: Riverside Barn, 38 River St, Hopefield, hopefieldmarket@gmail.com. Pet-friendly.
KORINGBERG MARKET
Intimate, yet well-spaced, you’ll find many products by local creatives and food-makers, as well as fun for the kids and live entertainment.
When: first Saturday of the month, 9 – 1. Where: Pelgrim St, Koringberg, koringbergmarket@gmail.com.
LANGEBAAN’S DENLYN PARK CRAFT MARKET
Fresh produce, homemade deliciousness and fabulous creative crafts can be bought at this lively market to the beat of a band. Meanwhile, a jumping castle, sand art and Thomas the Engine entertain the nippers.
When: Last Saturday of the month, 9 – 1. Where: Oostewal St, Langebaan, ph 082 9355497. Pet-friendly.
MELKBOS FARMERS MARKET
Tune in to cheery songs while browsing traditional foods, sweet treats, fresh meat, organic vegetables, cheeses, arts and crafts indoors at Melkbosstrand. And there’s a good chance of some catch-up with friends and acquaintances.
When: first weekend of the month, Sat & Sun, 9 -5. Where: Melkbosskerm, Robben Rd. Bring your own wine & glasses.
PIKET-BO-BERG FARMERS MARKET
In an atmosphere of mingled jollity against the cinematic scrim of the Piketberg mountains, this market is renowned for fresh pears, peaches, apples, plums and citrus. You can also stock up on homemade vetkoek, pancakes, roosterkoek, jams, farm butter, biltong, quiches and cakes. Other stalls sell books, olive oil, green tea kombucha, as well as beautifully crafted wooden games and home décor. A live band keeps the vibe going, while friendly locals love a good chit-chat.
When: Last Saturday of the month, 9 – 12. Where: Kruistementvlei Farm, Langeberg Rd, Piketberg, ph 083 2086873. Cash only. Pet-friendly.
