Isn’t it funny how something as simple as a change of scenery can make all the difference to how you feel about a certain task – even the most mundane of chores can be transformed into a positive and sought-after experience if the surroundings are right.

Usually, for me, doing the weekly food shop ranks right up there with scrubbing the bathroom on the list of of things I really don’t look forward to. Particularly if it’s on a Sunday afternoon, when it seems like every person in the inner south decides to do their groceries at exactly the same time. But after a trip to the Northside Markets last Saturday, I actually can’t wait until tomorrow rolls around.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jp-apLsfBwg/UzPsHGXmrVI/AAAAAAAABX0/8AMQBFAwqjo/s144-c-o/markets.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/NorthsideFarmersMarkets#5995395135673118034″ caption=”The relaxed market atmosphere.” type=”image” alt=”markets.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

The sister of the popular Southside Markets (held on Sunday mornings at CIT Woden), the Northside Markets are a little smaller, and so relaxed. They’re held on the grass area outside Zierholz Brewery at the University of Canberra in Bruce; and unlike sterile supermarket aisles, produce is sold from marquees by the growers themselves. It’s no secret that I get excited by my food, but it was just so stimulating to be able to taste the goods on sale and talk to the producers about them.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2ISQhI16EtU/UzPsIwHEI-I/AAAAAAAABYg/oeIRVeJRbos/s144-c-o/veges.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/NorthsideFarmersMarkets#5995395164057904098″ caption=”Super fresh produce.” type=”image” alt=”veges.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” pe2_title=”1″ ]

One of the these producers is Gloria Cox from Leaning Oak Winery and Dairy in Mudgee – New South Wales’ only Sheep and Goat Dairy and Cheese Factory. All Leaning Oak’s cheeses are hand made using milk from their much loved goats and sheep, and they are amazing – I had to limit myself to buying just the Labneh and Garlic & Chive Goat. And it was while I was sampling Gloria’s wares that I ‘got’ why people become addicted to shopping at farmers’ markets – it’s not only the fresher than fresh produce and the ability to know where your food comes from, it’s the camaraderie.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y2uGTsxpWBs/UzPsF6Hz3lI/AAAAAAAABXo/OdMTD2KiVeY/s144-c-o/cheese.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/NorthsideFarmersMarkets#5995395115205779026″ caption=”Amazing cheeses from Leaning Oak.” type=”image” alt=”cheese.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

“This honey goats cheese goes wonderfully with the focaccia sold by the lady just a couple of stalls up – you should pick some up on your way past,” she said. So I did. Along with some cookies, some jaffa cake and some baklava. I have no self control.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mArUKbeajGg/UzPsInSUkSI/AAAAAAAABYc/6tR1RXcy8cM/s144-c-o/turkish%252520loaves.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/NorthsideFarmersMarkets#5995395161689198882″ caption=”More baked goodies.” type=”image” alt=”turkish loaves.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

But back to Gloria. She and her husband Alan travel from Mudgee to Canberra every Friday night, attend the Capital Region Farmers Markets on Saturday morning, the Northside Markets on Saturday afternoon, Southside on Sunday morning and then drive the five hours home after packing up…they then spend the week making more cheese, to do it all again. This is a labour of love.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tQsspGNm-1E/UzPsF3YMlnI/AAAAAAAABXk/Y5KbvTlXqmk/s144-c-o/apples%252520and%252520pears.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/NorthsideFarmersMarkets#5995395114469201522″ caption=”Apples and pears for $5 a bucket! Bargain!” type=”image” alt=”apples and pears.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

And it’s the same story for many of the stallholders, who come from near and far. There’s a fantastic range of fresh fish and seafood directly from the South coast; organic beef from near Bungendore; olive oils, chickpeas and borlotti beans from Griffith; garlic from Moruya; eggs from Grenfell; mushrooms also from the South Coast; dairy from Picton; breads and bakery treats from Canberra bakers; chicken, duck and goat meat, and cheese from Boosey Creek and much more.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AWAK7K60Dls/UzPsIFkb9aI/AAAAAAAABYY/GTDMcfdX0AA/s144-c-o/seafood.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/NorthsideFarmersMarkets#5995395152638375330″ caption=”Check out the list of seafood available!” type=”image” alt=”seafood.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

The Pentony family, the local food pioneers behind food outlet Choku Bai Jo also have a stall, selling fresh organic produce picked that morning from their property Gleann na Meala near Hall. You might find potatoes, root vegetables, salad greens, herbs, heirloom tomatoes…and more.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vyZVc2wD3qI/UzPsHCHfbNI/AAAAAAAABYE/-FUi-RW2dsQ/s144-c-o/herbs.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/NorthsideFarmersMarkets#5995395134531792082″ caption=”Amazing fresh herbs and vegetables.” type=”image” alt=”herbs.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” ]

I may got a little carried away. I came home bearing the aforementioned cheese and baked goods, two types of fresh fish, woodfired bread, apples, pears, an assortment of fresh vegetables, jam, mushrooms, and had to stop myself snaffling a gozleme and churros while I ‘worked’.

It was such a lovely atmosphere: the sun was shining, people slowly wandered around chatting to growers, live music played, and kids occupied themselves on the grass nearby. I may never set foot in a supermarket again.

the essentials

What: Northside Farmers Market and Southside Farmers Market
When: NS – 2.30-5.30pm every Saturday (2pm to 4:30pm in Autumn/Winter); SS – 8am-11:30am every Sunday
Where: NS – University of Canberra (Kirinari Street, in front of building 10); SS – CIT Southside Campus
Web: www.southsidefarmersmarket.com.au

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