We South Africans love our food markets, and with such a rich variety of agriculture and local cuisine, you’ll find the best in craft foods and fresh produce! Take some time off this summer to visit these local food markets and indulge in a variety of treats and delights.

By Taryn Wilson

CAPE TOWN

The Mojo Market

Since opening its doors, the Mojo Market has become one of the hottest food scenes in Cape Town. With a great variety of cuisine available until late, as well as a bar and live music, you’ll want to go back a couple of times to try it all.

Root 44 Market

Incredible craft foods, drinks and beautiful scenery are definitely worth the drive to the Root 44 Market. Find a delicious array of treats that the whole family will love while browsing the many crafty stalls.

Porterville Farmer’s Market

Come and support the local producers of Porterville at this beautiful country market with delicious quality goods at incredible prices. Artisanal bread, fresh fruit and veggies, and home-made meals are in store every Saturday.

JOHANNESBURG

Fourways Farmers Market

With an abundance of fresh produce, the Fourways Farmers Market is the perfect place to do your weekly shopping every Sunday, or you can hang around for some live entertainment, fun activities and even more food delights.

Jozi Real Food Market

Head down to this country-themed fair that supports local businesses and producers by offering great food every Saturday in a fun, family-style market.

Neighbourgoods Market

At the Neighbourgoods Market, you’re always in for a jol! This inner-city rooftop spot offers great live music and a hefty selection of craft foods and drinks. Grab some friends and a make day of it one Saturday!

DURBAN

Smarket

A tribute to locals, this vibey market happens every second Friday of the month and is filled with all the delicious foods and trends you can think of! There’s no way you won’t smaak this market.

Golden Hours Family Market

True to the name, the Golden Hours Family Market is filled with beautiful and quality goods made from locals. Spend your Sunday browsing delicious items to take home and treasure (and devour). You can even bring your fur kids along for the enjoyment.

Shongweni Farmers Market

Take a walk through the countryside with the smell of fresh artisanal bread in the air and a range of fresh produce at your fingertips. The Shongweni Farmers Market is the perfect spot to pick up delicious breakfast goods and is fun for the whole family.

PRETORIA

DeepRoots Night Market

Warm summer nights call for delicious gourmet foods, craft beers, drinks, and live entertainment under the relaxing twinkle lights at the DeepRoots Night Market. Make it a tradition every first Friday of the month!

Hazel Food Market

It’s local cuisine galore at the Hazel Food Market. You’ll find everything from curry and samosas to smoothies and paella! It’s the perfect Saturday treat during the festive season.

Market@TheSheds

After a stressful week, there’s nothing better than unwinding with some tasty goods and drinks with friends. Market@TheSheds offers a relaxing and vibey spot to enjoy yourself with some live music on the last Saturday of every month.

Image: Unsplash

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Of the many health trends we’ve seen this year, a big one has been the move towards organic eating and methods of living that promote sustainability and a healthy environment. While this is a great option, it’s no easy (or cheap) task. If you’re looking to go greener with your foods, try some of these tips and check out your local farmer’s markets for fresh produce and inspiration.

By Taryn Wilson

1. Buy fresh produce. Whether from a roadside vendor or a market, this is crucial. Your vegetables, grains, meats and other ingredients should be fresh and grown from organic food farms. You can also look at your local supermarkets for organic foods, but be sure to check the labels.

2. Get it whole. Instead of buying cut-up, processed and packaged foods, try to go for the whole thing. For example, purchase an entire chicken and make a delicious roast, or separate the pieces yourself to freeze and cook later on. Instead of going for a bag of pre-prepared veggies, buy fresh and whole options, cut them up yourself and season.

3. Recycle. Avoid plastic bags and tupperware altogether. Rather make use of organically made shopping bags and glass jars to store food and other items in the home. Also, keep your leftover food scraps to make a compost, or to put in your own garden.

4. Start a veggie patch or herb garden. While these require a lot of upkeep and patience, growing your own food brings not only a great feeling of accomplishment, but you will be rewarded with fresh home-grown ingredients, and it’ll save you produce costs.

5. Work from scratch. Stick to buying raw ingredients that you can put together yourself to make the foods you need. This will keep you from consuming processed foods and you’ll save space in your pantry.

OUR FAVOURITE ORGANIC MARKETS IN SA

Gauteng

Bryanston Organic and Natural Market, Johannesburg
Neighbourgoods Market, Braamfontein

Western Cape

Greyton Saturday Morning Market
Outeniqua Farmers’ Market, George
Oranjezicht City Farm Market

KwaZulu Natal

Karkloof Farmer’s Market, Howick
Shongweni Farmers Market, Outer West Durban

Free State

Boeremark Market, Bloemfontein
Clarens Country Market

Image: Unsplash

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