Livingly a greener lifestyle by visiting Farmers Markets
Farmers Market are kinder to mother earth and the community.
Kendal and Altrincham Market are no exception to the rule. In recent years, farmers markets have sprung up all over the UK, and they came into their own during the pandemic.
What are they, though? Let us tell you more.
Farmers Markets are a destination for farmers and artisan producers who bring their produce and sell directly to the general public.
And the reality
They’re a bit niftier than that. Strangely not a new concept either…
They’ve been around for millennia, acting as places where the suppliers of food and other goods gathered to sell their goods in local village squares. The first recorded ones kicked off in Persia in around 3000BC, in other words, from when people first seriously began to engage in trade.
Marketplaces are a meeting point. And a location where all exchanged ideas viewpoints and, during the pandemic, a safe place for conversation and kindness.
You may have noticed.
Modern supermarkets have attempted to replicate the feel of village markets through considered design.
But at the same time, maximizing convenience and limiting product selection to lift sales of specific goods. However, the reality is that many of the products stacked up in these quasi-market scenarios have travelled huge distances, have been harvested early before they reach optimal maturity, and above all else, remove money from the local economy.
By contrast
Genuine farmers markets bring local, fresh produce direct from the farmer and producer to the consumer. They establish a direct connection between how food is grown and reared, and produced, creating a far more transparent relationship between those that produce and those that consume.
The benefits to farmers markets
Especially when you consider the following statement from a report produced by the precursor to Defra, which: stated that “large food stores can and have had an adverse impact on market towns and district centres. It is vital that those responsible for the future of market towns and district centres take positive steps to improve the range and Quality of food shopping in those centres farmers markets offer additional choice and help strengthen other small outlets.”
Why supporting Farmers Markets
Suppose you’ve ever stopped by your local farmers market. In that case, you will have invariably noticed the bounty on display, locally crafted cheeses, seasonal fruits, and freshly baked bread, all the result of a vibrant local food economy.
Eating local means enjoying more locally grown produce and other foods from farmers and producers in your community.
The core benefits
Social Engagement and Interaction
Local Economic
Health and Happiness: Relationships creating a sense of belonging
Environmental: Local land to plate
Better Quality: Often picked or harvested just a day or two before being sold without losing their nutrient content when transported long distances.
An opportunity to taste something new!
Fruits and vegetables are allowed to ripen for longer to deliver real depth of flavour and perfect texture, staying fresher for longer.
Produce that has not had to endure the rigours of a seriously long journey to the supermarket having been harvested early without even fully ripening.
The same is true for a huge variety of products, including meat, eggs, poultry, game, dairy and bread – they are fresher when sourced locally. You know where they’re from too, and handily because you are dealing with the people who have farmed or produced what you are buying, you can ask questions and find out about the provenance of what you are going to be eating! We love a bread natter.
All the reasons why you should make shopping at the markets your new mantra – A habit worth creating
Chefs would agree that the fresher the ingredients are, the better flavour. It’s worth the effort to source locally if tasting good matters to you.
Happily, locally grown produce doesn’t have to travel very far or sit in storage for long periods. It is helping to retain more nutrients and get a bigger health bang for your pound.
Creating family memories and experiences
We like to encourage you to learn something new!
1.Food history & heritage
2.Discover how food is produced and reared
3. Explore new flavours. You need to try our Mrs Kirkhams Cheese and Marmite Sourdough. The haters discovered they loved it!
You need to discover: this month at Kendal Farmer Market
Mrs Kirkhams Cheese Lancashire Cheese
Sillfield Farm Foods – Wild Boar Burgers
Kitridding Farm Shop- Swaledale Lamb
Herbivores Organic Greengrocers
Cumberland Sausage and Air-Dried Ham from Waberthwaite
Herdwick Lamb from Grasmere
Damson Jelly from Lythe
Westmorland Pepper Fruit Cake from Ginger Bakers
Cockles and Brown Shrimps from Morecambe Bay
You might want to know.
When you eat local, it helps support the very community you live in by circulating cash around many facets of that community.
Local businesses don’t just employ people from within that community. Their employees are more likely to cycle their incomes back into other local businesses, helping to strengthen the overall local, regional economy.
A recent study carried out by Visa found that for every £10 spent with a local business, more than a third (£3.80) stays in the area. The research also found that currently, we spend just over a fifth of their available income locally; however, they would be willing to spend up to half with local businesses.
Be niftier…
Get to know exactly where your food is coming from. Farmers markets are one of the best places ever for this type of knowledge.
Start to build food relationships – With those who grow and produce your food strengthening your community whilst bringing food knowledge into the home.
Explore what’s on your doorstep this summer.
Visit your local farmer’s markets
Kendal Farmers Market
30th July
27th August
24th September
29th November
17th December
Altrincham Market– Every Friday!
Create a strong, more vibrant community through how you shop!
Looking forward to baking for you
