Having moved from a sleepy market town in Herefordshire where we we lucky enough to have a small farmers market every Saturday (and the “fish man” on a Tuesday) I knew this would be something I would miss. We had only been living here just a few weeks before seeing there was a monthly Perth city farmers market and decided to go.
It was nice to see that in the centre of the city all the local stall holders were already set up and even in the damp conditions everyone was still bright and cheery; albeit a bit soggy and cold. As I took a cursory look at all the stalls I soon discovered there was a wide range of products to sample and buy. Vegetables, seafood, soaps, butchers, gin distillers, bakers and cheese – all made or sourced within a stones throw of Perth. Perfect.
Maybe I was a little too eager and too early because I think I may have missed out on some street style Indian food! I would have definitely made a bee line for that stall.
Talking of bees, I spoke to a very nice lady from Scarletts (Scotland). They keep bees and produce honey from their own hives on site in Blairgowrie. I didn’t need any honey today but I will at some point be going back for some to put on my porridge!
Right next door I set my eyes on the huge scotch eggs with black pudding was probably a bit over the top with my enthusiasm (I’m not crazy, I promise!). With lots of lovely sounding pies to choose from I opted for “Chieftain.” Venison with chorizo sausage, wild mushrooms, onion gravy topped with creamed cheese potato. How mouth-wateringly amazing does that sound? Looking forward to trying that! For the vegetarians amongst us how about this: lentils with aubergine, tomatoes & courgettes with feta cheese.
I did manage to move away from food stalls and introduce myself to a lady from Caurnie Soaperie. I won’t lie I was drawn in by the incredible but subtle smell. With the invitation of “please do pick them up and have a smell” I did just that. Good enough to eat. Lemongrass, Bog Myrtle and tea tree – divine. All made with essential oils and organic herbs to produce natural skin care products including shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser . In the time I was at the stall there were several sales of nettle soap. With soothing properties for eczema and other dry skin complaints, the natural ingredients sound perfect and would make lovely gifts.
One of the best things I love about Farmers Markets is that you can discover new food and drink and more importantly get to know the faces behind the products. Ask questions about their inspiration for flavour combinations, if ingredients are home grown or just to have a blether.
As a newbie to the area it really was nice to speak to other small businesses and see their products. Being able to introduce myself as a photographer and blogger explaining why I was photographing things and telling them about the things you take for granted before you move!
*Update – Jan 2018* Since moving we have made the monthly trip to pick up some of our favourites and to continue to discover new ones. Currently working our way through the bakers bread selection! It is also nice that as a regular face you are recognised and have a good customer relationship. We have definitely made the Perth city farmers market one of our shopping habits.
[…] I have already met some really lovely foodie suppliers at Perth Farmers market earlier this month – heather honey, pies, scotch eggs, wild boar sausages, venison, potatoes […]