When the Woolworths vegetable aisle isn't giving or you'd like to eat more seasonal, this is where your local fresh food markets come in. Sydney has farmers markets in abundance, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the way the city is surrounded by lush hinterland to the north, fertile countryside over to the central west and ample fishing opportunities along its eastern coastline. For this reason, connecting with your local farmers is a must. Bring your own bag and containers, become the inner-city cliché, you've got everything to gain. And your cooking will thank you for it. Below, our favourite farmer's markets in Sydney.
Carriageworks Farmers Markets
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When: 8am-1pm, every Saturday at Carriageworks
Breakfast is served early on Saturday mornings. Head down to Carriageworks with an empty belly and a couple of tote bags. Alternate between a hefty sausage and egg muffin from the LP's Quality Meats stall, which turns up every second weekend, and a baked treat from A.P. Bakery. Coffee is best served by Single and your weekly fridgeload of fruit and veg comes courtesy of Block 11 Organics.
Kings Cross Organic Food Market
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When: 8:30am-2pm, every Saturday at Fitzroy Gardens
Pick up your newspaper of choice and skip to Kings Cross Markets for a Portuguese tart. There are other draw cards here too; the stretch of grass from which to enjoy your paper-tart combo; the fact that Rita's Farm is a comfy constant; the smell of sizzling bacon from Bowen's beloved barbecue...
Marrickville Organic Food Market
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When: 9am-3pm, every Sunday at Addison Road Community Centre
Chances are if you live in the inner west, these markets have become something of a ritual. Hungover? Go for a lamb roll. Elsewhere, arepas, Egyptian koshari and Brooklyn Boy Bagels can be sourced between your weekly grocery shop. Kim's Bop is serving up Mandu with pre-made banchan available to stock up on and the place is pup-friendly, which tracks given the location.
Flour Mill Markets
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When: 9am-1pm, every first and third Sunday at 18 Flour Mill Way, Summer Hill
Although not strictly a food-only market, you'll certainly find farmers flogging their produce between stalls selling ceramics, vintage clothes and other tchotchkes. As far as snacks are concerned, grab a pizza slice or a trio of tamales while you scour the offering and load up on your weekly groceries.
Orange Grove Markets
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When:9am-1pm, every Saturday at Orange Grove Public School
We love the way a school quad can be transformed into a market (rip Glebe Markets). Fresh fruit and veggies line the property, while small scale artisans dole out hot sauces and cured meats and condiments as far as the eye can see. Flour and Stone has a stall, as does Eat Fuh. What else could a girl want?
Bilpin Markets
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When: 10am-12pm, every Saturday at Bilpin Hall
These community-run markets are here for a good time not a long time. But if you're local or in the area, they're worth checking out. Especially since this Blue Mountains suburb is known for its vast and varied apple crops, although the rest of the produce is just as reputable. Stop by for locally made jams and preserves, baked goods, along with apple cider vinegar and freshly pressed apple juice.
Cambridge Markets EQ
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When: 8am-3pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Market Canopy, Entertainment Quarter
For 22 years, Cambridge Markets has set up shop rain, hail or shine. Find your way to this Moore Park institution mid-week or at the end of a long one and get your fill of seasonal and locally sourced fruit and vegetables, alongside flower stalls and hot food stands.
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