Angel Farmer's Market

Angel Farmer's Market

One of my sunday rituals has become going out to the Farmer's Market, at Angel, doesn't start until 10 but as i'm playing football then, I tend to go around 1. First off I have an Organic Lamb Burger, in a white roll of course - can't go completely overboard! They are excellent and cooked/served up by this big Ozzie guy, naturally there's a selection of sauces to splodge on as well, which makes a nice change from the vinegary ketchup i have to use at work on a saturday.

I like to buy from the same people each time as far as possible because I think you develop a bit of a relationship with them, plus I value loyalty in all things, even shopping, so as long as i keep getting good stuff then there's no reason to change. The truth is that with organic fair, price isn't such an issue anyway, it's all pretty expensive compared to going down the supermarket!

But, my oh my, it does taste better, there is no doubt in my mind that there is a significant taste difference. Firstly I go to my regulars, for a couple of bags of beetroot - yes I'm going through a beetroot stage, I've only recently discovered the fresh variety only having had the pickled version before ... I love them! I buy these off a couple who have a farm in Buckinghamshire, I like them, the lady works the till and the chap/farmer lays all the boxes out and replenishes them from the van. It's great to be able to talk to someone who actually knows about what he grows and is selling, he's explained all the different varieties of beetroot to me, amongst other things, and there sure is a variety, of shape, colour and taste!! I go for the tubular shaped ones that make the best juice, first developed for the German market as the shape was most appealing to them and suited their purpose, whatever that may have been!

Carrots from someone else, who is always friendly and has recently started chopping the stalks off with a knife instead of breaking them by hand, can't say i blame her, seemed like way too much work the old way.

Annoyingly they seem to have different people week on week, or most probably some stallholders don't come each time. Which is great for variety, but the downside is that after having tried something one week, the same produce isn't available the next week ... prime example being a wonderful goats milk fruit yoghurt drink - which has never been seen again (by me anyway).

So i try to stock up with anything that looks likely; fresh locally produced honey; peppers - loads of varieties; nice looking cheeses. Of course with the fresh produce due to the lack of preservatives, it doesn't keep too long. But stuff in glass jars tends to be ok.