Of the Clevedon Farmers Market

I’ve decided to start to explore Farmers Markets around Auckland and further afield. I’ve visited a few, but I think it’ll be fun to go with a reviewers eye rather than my usual state of wandering and purchasing the first thing that I see.So today, it was the turn of the Clevedon Farmers Market.  (The website is quite out of date but still is relevant).Clevedon.  A really pleasant slightly-out-of-Auckland suburb. Suburb? More an adjoining Village I guess. It certainly has a very strong community feel and enjoys a more restful pace of life. The drive to Clevedon was actually fun. There is lots to look at as you pass by.Note that as it is a village there are no ATMs around to withdraw cash from - something that is needed at the Market.First impressions. This is a long-established, very well-organised event. In fact, it runs every Sunday of the year (the exceptions being when the A&P Show is on, or Christmas Day). Signage directing you to the site is prominent and parking is easy. The structures in place give a sense of permanence, and also somewhat mask the scale of the Market.It is easy to see the difference in quality between produce available at the Market and produce you buy in a supermarket. Here, it is a little less articially perfect and it oozes taste, freshness and natural goodness.The people here are friendly and engaging. All very happy to have a chat and answer questions. I have some more things to attempt to grow on my south-facing balcony.The Mushroom-guy was a fun guy (ba-boom tish!). He had stunning mushrooms available for sale, but also sold these bucket ‘mushroom farms’.In theory, I’ll have fresh button mushrooms for 6-8 weeks. All for an outlay of $15. This excites me. I'm sure I'll be tweeting progress.Jams, Sauces, Breads, Meats, Eggs, Buffalo Cheese, Fish, Smallgoods, Pastries, Cupcakes, Coffee. This Market has something for everybody.I shall return. A bit more organised, and with a shopping list, next time.- S