I love to start the weekend by visiting different farmers’ markets. It’s a beautiful way to get a glimpse of locally made food and to experience community life.
One chilly Saturday morning, with husband Valentin and our two kids in tow, I set off to visit the Oratia Farmers’ Market. It’s our new local, as we have recently moved to west Auckland. The marketplace is set under a huge grape arbour in a picturesque rural vineyard.
We strolled through the lovely surroundings, learning about local growers and producers, and sampling an impressive variety of artisan foods.
The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and there was a live band playing in the background while shoppers meandered around the stalls. The children seemed to be running wild and barefoot (mine included) despite the cold winter air.
I love that the market is small and intimate; you could see from one end to the other without having to worry about little ones wandering away. They have the occasional live cooking demonstration as well as weekly music on the grass to add to the entertainment.
As we slowly filled our basket with seasonal produce, the kids shared a delicious homemade lamb sausage roll and then indulged in a few slices of crème brûlée fudge.
Every stall offered something different, tempting our wallets as well as our taste buds. Here are a few of my personal favourites:
Salmon Man Naturally cured salmon using salt and sugar with no additives or nitrates. We demolished a container of raw salmon marinated in coconut cream and picked up a few fillets of hot-smoked salmon to take home.
Quality Meats Organic and free-range meat with an extensive range of pork, beef and lamb on offer, including delicately marbelled organic Angus pure sirloin steaks, organic pork spare ribs and great free-range streaky bacon. We were super-impressed with the sausages, which are 100 per cent meat and simply seasoned with sea salt and pepper.
Crafty Baker Based in Glen Eden, this small, family-run bakery uses good-quality and organic ingredients in their lovingly made breads, pastries, slices and cakes. We tried their intriguing chocolate sourdough, which the kids loved. To take home, we chose the olive sourdough, which was outstanding and a great accompaniment to my hot smoked salmon salad.
Jam Pak’d For the best pies in west Auckland. They have flavours like bacon and egg pie, made with free-range eggs; smoked salmon, spinach and cream cheese; wintery leek and potato, as well as a classic lamb’s fry and bacon.
Salash Delicatessen The one-stop shop for smallgoods like hand-carved pancetta, prosciutto and a range of salamis that are free from nitrates, preservatives and fillers. It’s 100 per cent natural, salt-cured, air-dried salamis and meats. They also sell their famous barbecue sausages in a bun at the market.
The Oratia Farmers’ Market is open rain or shine on Saturday mornings, 9-12. Also on the same site, at 99 Parrs Cross Road, are the Artisan Wines vineyard restaurant, the Packing Shed Gallery and Café, and Just Plane Interesting, an antiques and collectibles store.
See oratiafarmersmarket.co.nz for more information.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
.jpg?resize=380%2C285)
Native ad body.
Subscribe and save up to 38%
Get more food and recipe ideas delivered straight to your door