There has been high excitement across our local community with the news that a farmers market was opening up in Upper Hutt. Although there are a growing number of markets across New Zealand Upper Hutt is definitely one of the pioneers in the revolution for locally produced produce. This is an initiative that has evolved from the local Transition Towns initiative which is pressing for a more socially, economically and environmentally way of life.
The first market was held today and we were of course keen to see what all the excitement was about. Experience has taught us though not to get too excited. And in this case it was particularly so. It takes time for farmers’ markets to become established and this was only the first one.
As expected the market was small but perfectly formed. We didn’t arrive early so missed out on all manner of goods. There was someone selling eggs and home grown vegetables but they had sold out within the first hour. The pork retailers also seem to have sold out but they were still selling bacon sandwiches with a gorgeous smell making us all salivate.
There were plenty of people coming and going. It was good to see the local community out in force. It was just a shame that there were such a small number of stalls for the first outing. Those that were there did a roaring trade though. These cupcake ladies sold out really quickly.
I for one hope that both stall holders and purchasers continue to grow in number. Upper Hutt may be a small town but there are certainly sufficient numbers of people to keep a small market thriving. It will of course take time.
I”l be heading back next week to see Fish on Wheels to get some fish so we can continue to make use of our book about cooking New Zealand Fish. Our first recipe, Japanese Style Fried Snapper was a huge success. It was coated in rice flour and crumbs which made it an altogether a light and yummy dinner one night last week.
You never know if my growing ambitions out grow our ability to eat it all I’ll be packaging up our spare vegetables to flog them at our very own local market.