Farmers Markets

Seasonal eating tips from local farmers

It's still early days in December - so lots of time to think about what you're going to eat over the Xmas / New Year period! As I live in Ely I'll start with this area.

December Famers Markets
Ramsey: Friday 12th December
Ely: Saturday 13th December
St Ives: Saturday 20th December

Ely Farmers Market, 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month
Saturday 13th December
Saturday 13th December will be busy on Ely Farmer's Markets (2nd and 4th Saturday of every month) when you can place your orders with the farmers / producers (27 stalls).

Everything will be there from, of course, poultry, venison, game and many other meats, to jars of chilli sauces and chutneys, great with cold meats, plus cakes and vegetables. Also available are Damson, raspberry and blackcurrant gins and vodkas. Great presents; great drink!

Highlights to watch out for this month are:

Organic Brussels Sprouts on stalks (£1.20 per stalk), from Mayfield organics of Littleport

Farm reared free range turkeys (golden promise). As a guide a turkey to feed 10 will cost approx £45. Simon, of Green poultry, also has smaller birds and chickens: a chicken to feed 4 will cost around £7 to £8. They are a delight.

Consider venison this Christmas. It makes a fantastic casserole with red wine and seasonal vegetables. The venison for a casserole to feed 6 will cost £10 to £12 - well worth it! You can pick up your order on Tuesday 23rd December when Ely hosts a Farmers and General market (8am to 3pm).

Don't forget our two cheese producers for your after dinner cheese board: goats, sheep and cows milk cheeses available.

Live birds for sale - Ely Farmers Markets had an exciting new stall last market: we had live birds for sale. These young birds are being sold for laying, their breed is "Gold Line" they will lay an egg a day for up to two and a half years with a life span of four to five years. Carol Glover likes to sell the birds in pairs at a cost of £12.50 each. She is also trading at St Ives and Ramsey Farmers Markets.

Carol offers a full service that includes birds, coop and feed delivered to your home and all the advice you will need, she also sells ducks and bantams for rearing / eggs, you can contact her on 01480 466124 or mobile 07887 576064. Needless to say in taking on any live creature you are taking on a commitment and a role of duty. Always buy responsibly.

Ramsey Farmers Market - 4th Saturday of every month in 2009
New dates starts from Saturday 24th January 2009
Incidentally, Ramsey Farmers Market will be running on the 4th Saturday of every month from January 2009 on the Great Whyte, 8am to 2pm. If you live in the area please come along and support us. We will have approx twelve carefully picked stalls of local produce to provide for your table.

St Ives Farmers Market - 1st Saturday of every month in 2009
New dates starts from Saturday 3rd January 2009
St Ives Farmers Market will run as usual on the 1st Saturday in January 2009 (Saturday 3rd January). There will be a good show of traders, approx 15 (usually average 20 stalls), so do come along, clear the cobwebs and assist in your New Year's resolution to support local farmers, buy local and look after your health throughout 2009.

If you need any further info on the above or any comments etc do e-mail me, rozbdscott@yoahh.co.uk.  

Merry Xmas and a happy and positive 2009 to you!

Cheers, Roz

Image of Brussels Sprouts by John-Morgan courtesy of Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic licence