The Beauty of Farmers markets
Why go to Farmers Markets? There are many reasons: You get to meet producers who actually make their products, there is a great community atmosphere, they have unique products, you meet interesting people, and you get to see great chefs cook market food (well you do at our market anyway). But my number one reason is actually a lot simpler: Fresh vegetables.
I made a post on my Facebook page about 1 dollar broccoli and it went crazy. I was walking past the Country Fresh stall at the Hobsonville Point Farmers Market and they had a sign saying $1 broccoli. This was the greenest, freshest broccoli I have ever seen. I was told it was pulled out of the ground THAT morning! 4 hours old broccoli. Speaking to the producer, he is very modest and explains to me it’s nothing special. It is the same as the produce the supermarkets get but just a couple of weeks (yes weeks) fresher.
That for me sums up the markets, the freshest and most cared for produce you can get. With a bit of pre-planning it really isn’t that hard to do your shopping at the markets and then go to the supermarket for your toiletries etc.
As always if you have an opinion I would love to hear it and you can get in touch through www.chefkevinblakeman.com or www.facebook.com/chefkevinblakeman
Kevin Blakeman, Demonstration Chef at the Hobsonville Point Farmers Market.
Using the whole broccoli – Soup, stalks and florets!
This will make 3 different types of broccoli to be served as a trio or you can serve parts on their own.
Ingredients - Serves 4
2 Lemons, zested
2 Oranges, zested
100g Parsley, finely chopped
200g Panko Breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil on hand
100g Parsley
3-4 Heads of broccoli depending on size
Water
200g Mascarpone
100g Butter
Method