Tonbridge Farmers Market

 

A warm and sunny morning welcomed the September Tonbridge Farmers Market to town, and it was the busiest I have ever seen it.  The number of stalls seem to be slowly growing, and I am already recognising and getting to know many of the stallholders who are always willing to chat about their produce and the time of day.  They really are a very friendly bunch of people and it beats the supermarket any day.

My first stop, as always, was for the hog roast.  It was only 12.30pm and there had obviously been a run on the filled rolls, and I joined the fairly long line of eager diners pleased that we had arrived early enough to savour the warm and freshly carved pork.  Crackling is always on offer for those not watching their weight, together with a tasty stuffing and apple sauce.  The market only comes to Tonbridge once a month so it can't do much harm to the waistline to fill the rolls up with everything on offer and have a treat. I certainly did.

No sooner had I eaten every last crumb of the hog roast, and moved on from the Market Eatery, an amazing aroma of bacon drew me towards the cooking at the Roundwood Orchard Pig Farm stall,       where fat sausages and pork steaks were sizzling on a griddle.  All their pork comes from orchard reared pigs on a diet that includes apples and pears.  The meat is of the highest quality and I was assured that the animals are reared without the use of growth promoters, or in-feed antibiotics, and lead the best possible quality of life.  This corner of the market is certainly not for the vegetarians amongst us.  Everything on offer was from their farm, the relishes from the chilli stall and the bread from the market bakery - and that's what we all like to hear -  a market partnership where we know where all the produce has come from.  The food certainly looked tempting and I'll certainly give it try it next time.

The Happy Apple

Next was a trip over to talk Jenny at The Happy Apple who makes the most perfect Rowan Jelly.  I have had my own disasters with making this aromatic bitter-sweet preserve, but Jenny's jelly tastes divine and has a sublimely clear rose coloured tint.  She did let me know her secret ingredient and even offered me the recipe.  Not only does she makes jellies, but skillfully produces jams, chutneys and sauces too. Jenny also offers personalised wedding favours which I think is a fantastic and novel idea.  You can try all the flavours of her carefully prepared preserves, and she will offer advice on recipes too.  Even Jenny's super cake demonstration on the day using her blackcurrant jam was a roaring success. Clever girl this Jenny!!!  I am going to be in touch about your Rowan Jelly!!!!!

Pick-A-Lilly Cup Cakes

 My last stop was to talk to Kathleen Jitjarak of Pick-A-Lilly who bakes the oh-so-very tempting and delicious cupcakes.  Kathleen's cupcakes are proving so popular she had virtually sold every single one with still an hour of the market to go until closing.  Kathleen is a born and bred Tonbridge girl, and it's great to see her doing so well at her own local market.  Look out for her sister, who may also have a stall in October.  She will be selling a variety of silks including beautiful scarves that can be used by nursing mums.

Hog Roast

There are far too many stalls to mention, but I will say that they all come together to bring Tonbridge a hugely diverse variety of local produce in a relaxed and friendly market environment. And, just think, you can even cut down on your food miles - that has to be good. The next market is on Sunday October 9th.