Welcome to farmersmarkets.net -
the only directory of inspected and genuine farmers' markets in the UK! The
National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association (FARMA)
independently inspects farmers' markets to make sure they're the "real
deal." Read on below to find out why our Certified farmers' markets are
special.
St Georges’ Day marks the official
opening of the asparagus season, and the oncoming glut of British produce.
Following last year’s late harvest, this year’s crop is
ready to go, and fresh spears can be found now at farm shops, farmers’ markets
and even on pick-your-own farms across the country.
The excitement that asparagus elicits from chefs and foodies is due
partly to its subtle, grassy flavour; refreshing after months of roots
and cabbages, and also to its relatively short season. Traditionally
British asparagus is available for about six weeks at its best and
most affordable. Prices vary - farm shops are currently charging £6
- £9.99 per kilo (or about £2.50 - £3 a bunch). If
the warm weather continues, a bumper crop means prices tend to drop
as the season progresses, with many places offering promotions. For
the best deals, the freshest spears, and minimal packaging, try pick-your-own
farms, currently charging approximately £6 per kilo – much
cheaper than the supermarkets.
Buy fresh. There is no snobbery in the fact that freshly picked asparagus
actually tastes better as the sugars have less time to convert to starch,
resulting in sweeter and more digestible spears. At certified farmers’ markets,
you can buy straight from the producer, and many farm shops sell their
own or locally sourced ‘buds o’gras’. For a nation
with a growing appetite for growing its own vegetables, asparagus is
one of the most labour intensive – it takes three years waiting
before you get a first harvest – so buying from local farmers
gives you value for money and time with the quality of homegrown.
How you eat asparagus depends on the size and age of the spears; slender,
early ‘sprue’ asparagus is good steamed or grilled lightly
for no longer that two minutes before drizzling with beurre blanc,
hollandaise or lemon and parmesan. Once the glut begins, try soups,
add lightly cooked to salads and stir-fries or combine with other spring
vegetables cooked in a little white wine and butter as an accompaniment
to lamb or pork.
The vale of Evesham in Worcestershire is the traditional home of asparagus
and its annual festival which runs for 23 April – 21 June, but
the vegetable can be found across England, Wales, and up into Scotland
(customers further north will have to wait until early May to buy local).
To find farm shops, farmers’ markets or pick-your-owns in your
area, visit www.farma.org.uk. For online deliveries, try www.abbeyparksasparagus.co.uk
.
Farmers' Market of the Year 2009
Brigg and Moseley farmers' markets win top award!
Two farmers' markets this year share the
crown of FARMA Farmers' Market of the Year. Brigg Farmers' Market in
North Lincolnshire, won the title of Rural Farmers' Market of the Year
2009, while Moseley Farmers' Market in Birmingham won Urban Farmers'
Market of the Year at the FARMA Awards Ceremony in November.
The judges were impressed
that within just eight years of trading, Brigg farmers' market has
revitalized the heart of this picturesque town centre, working across
the community to establish a far-reaching reputation for quality and
local foods.
The judges also felt Moseley farmers' market to be an exemplary, community
focused event. It is large and lively, regularly featuring more than
50 producers selling some excellent quality produce, and has become
a monthly meeting point for an average 5,000 people in Birmingham's
innercity suburbs.
What is a farmers' market and what makes them special?
A farmers' market is a market in which farmers, growers or producers from a defined local area are present in person to sell their own produce, direct to the public. All products sold should have been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholder.
FARMA, the National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association indipendently assesses and certifies farmers' markets round the country to make sure they're the 'real deal' so you can be confident you are buying the freshest, most local produce possible, supporting your local community and economy, and helping the environment by reducing food-miles. Look out for the certification logo below!
FARMA standards launched June 2002.
Click here for more on market guidelines and FARMA Certification.
Find a farmers' market near you!
With over 500 farmers' markets in the country, and over half genuine FARMA Certified Farmers' Markets, there's bound to be a market near you offering a wide range of quality, local, ethically-retailed, reared or produced, foods. Click here or on the map above to select your county, or search by your postcode.
Find more great fresh & local foods! Search for farm
shops in the UK at our sister site, farmshopping.net
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Disclaimer: while we endeavour to keep our information up to date, data displayed on this site may be inaccurate. Neither FARMA nor Lloyds Europa may be held responsible for any concequences, personal, corporate, financial or otherwise, relating to use of any inaccurate information. Neither FARMA nor Lloyds Europa can accept responsibility for content on off-site links.
Calendar dates and other market information is subject to change; always check with the market organiser before setting out
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