In Season: Farmers’ Markets

Attention food lovers: It’s the best time of the month to head to your local farmers’ market.

You can find everything from locally grown herbs and vegetables to freshly caught game. Available items depend on the season and market you attend.

‘The produce at the market is at its best,’ says Arthur Betts, market support manager for London Farmers’ Markets. ‘It’s the best way to enjoy the food.’

All vegetables, apples, pears and plums are at their best toward the end of October. Throughout the month and into November you can find peas, carrots, onions and broccoli. Pumpkins are also widely available this time of year for your Halloween fun. Surprisingly, so-called summer vegetables, such as edible flowers, lettuces, spinach and tomatoes are still obtainable as well.

Once November and December roll around, winter root vegetables and Jerusalem artichokes are brought in by the vendors. Celery, cauliflowers, leeks and kale arrive near Christmas time. Oysters are in the markets now and will be available until April of next year. Pheasants, pigeons, partridges and most feather game should be in the market now or within two weeks, while Turkeys arrive just in time for the holiday season.

‘It’s been a difficult season for a lot of crops,’ says Betts. Honey, herbs and top fruit were particularly hit hard this year due to rain and may be scarce at markets.

When shopping at your local farmers’ market the money you pay goes directly to the farmer and the produce you buy is a fair price because of direct sales, says Betts. Not only will you be buying the freshest vegetables, fruit and meat at farmers’ markets, you’ll also be supporting local farmers.

Head to your local farmers’ market to see what delightful foods you can find:

Balham: Every Saturday 9am-2pm
Chestnut grove Primary School, Junction of Chestnut Grove & Hearnville Road SW12 8JZ

Brixton: Every Sunday 10am-2pm
Brixton Station Road, Brixton, London SW9 8PA

Parson’s Green: Every Sunday 10am-2pm
New Kings School, New King’s Road, opposite Cristowe Road. SW6 4LY

South Kensington: Every Saturday 9am-2pm
Bute Street, South Kensington SW7 3EX

Wimbledon: Every Saturday 9am-1pm
Wimbledon Park Primary School, Havana Road, off Durnsford Road, London SW19 8EJ

For a complete guide of what’s in season go to: www.lfm.org.uk/