My family and I love to explore new farmers’ markets; it’s become a lovely weekend ritual that fills our tummies and inspires meals for the week ahead. I find it so satisfying to be able to connect with the people who produce the food we eat, and it always enhances my appreciation of every dollar spent.
A few weekends ago, we set off early for the markets in Hobsonville Point, about a 25-minute drive from our home in West Auckland. What a beautiful midsummer day it was, with azure sky and a gentle warmth in the air. As soon as we arrived, the kids jumped out of the car in excitement, with Ziggy, our poodle, bouncing after them.
The markets are housed inside a large, rustic airplane hangar. It’s a neat old building with plenty of character and a stunning outlook over the inner Waitemata Harbour. The fresh scent of salt and sea added perfectly to the relaxed and buzzing atmosphere.
Hobsonville Point, like many other farmers’ markets, celebrates all that is local. Honey from local hives jostles for space with wooden cartons filled with organic produce and stacks of rustic artisanal bread, while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.
The markets are open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 1pm. The whole market is housed under cover (great for those rainy days), there’s ample parking and you’re welcome to take your dog along if you have one.
Here’s a few of the stalls we enjoyed in particular…
Frittelli
Our first port of call was the Frittelli stall. They make Italian fried bread served with all the ingredients required for a mouth-watering taste explosion.
Imagine soft, warm, crisp bread seasoned generously with sea salt, then topped with crème fraîche, smoked salmon or prosciutto, and fresh chives. A delicious jumble of crunchy textures and bright, fresh flavours.
Earthbound Honey
I have a deep love of honey and use it in many of my recipes. Naturally, I gravitated towards the Earthbound Honey stall, and was more than happy to try the abundance of samples they had on offer. This lovely husband-and-wife team are based in the valley of Bethells Beach and produce a gorgeous range of organic, pure and raw honey, the way it should be. I chose a bottle of apple cider honeygar, and have been drinking it with sparkling water as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Spaceman Coffee
Possibly the most delicious coffee I’ve ever tasted; a beautiful brew that is dark, smooth and lively all at the same time.
Spaceman owner Daniel explained how it’s lovingly roasted in small batches and, trust me, you can tell as it’s so wonderful. Organic and fairtrade, too.
Kosmic Kombucha
A fresh, effervescent health tonic in a wide range of flavours including strawberry and pomegranate, apple and cinnamon, and lemon and ginger.
Kosmic kombucha is pleasingly dry and not too sweet like some kombuchas can be.
Fama’s Organic Produce
Abundantly fresh, organic produce, locally grown in Huapai. I filled a brown paper bag with courgettes, cucumber and some intriguing gherkins. Embarrassingly, I was a little short on change, but Fama didn’t mind and shouted me a few extra dollars.
The Gourmet Gannet
Also based in Huapai, this local artisan bakery makes traditional-style bread. I simply had to buy a loaf of spelt flour sourdough; we loved its deep, chewy quality and delicious hint of sourness.
Words by: Eleanor Ozich. Photography by: Valentin Ozich
This was first published in Taste magazine.
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