The Farm Gate...Is it the new Farmers Market?

Over the last few weeks I have been holidaying at one of my favourite places, The Mornington Peninsula and taking advantage of some of the wonderful food delights that are on offer...particularly the summer fruits that are in abundance...strawberries are just delicious at the moment...do you know where to go for them?

Try the strawberries from Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, 244 Shands Road, Main Ridge...here

Are you a fan of PYO... "pick your own"?  I have not done that, but I'd love to hear from those of you who have...

Image - Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

I have noticed a new trend with some of the Farmers Markets that are available...have you?  Usually at the Farmers Markets they are just that...food from the farmers, grown organically or not...picked fresh...and sold to the many visitors at the Farmers Markets...however, this year I have noticed there are fewer of the farmers selling their fresh produce and there are many more craft type goods.

Now there is not a problem with that per se... however, where are the farmers selling their produce... other than in the shops of course?  It seems to me that the farmers have started a new trend.."The Farm Gate".  

At a recent Farmers Market on the Mornington Peninsula there was a stallholder who was handing out to everyone who purchased their produce, a list of all the Farmers who operate a "Farm Gate"...included on the list are...the hours of operation...the produce available... and the time of year the produce is available.  I found this to be invaluable and would recommend you get a copy of this Farm Gate list when you are next on the Peninsula...here

Image - Dannic Garlic - here

Mock Orchards & Totally Pure Fruits, 1095 Mornington Flinders Road, Red Hill,  is one of the Farm Gates I would recommend, the produce is certified Demeter bio-dynamic and has been in existence since 1974...a good recommendation...here

Another Farm Gate I have visited is...Del Grosso's Orchard, 101A Stanleys Road, Red Hill South and they  grow apples: Pink Lady, Fuji, Jonagold, Delicious and Granny Smith.  Also delicious cherries, plums, pears and nashi fruit and are open every day during summer...here

There are many, many more of course, and a visit to the extensive Mornington Peninsula website will provide you with all the information you need to purchase some wonderful produce at very good prices...and of course, helping our Australian Farmers...here

Image - MP Gourmet

Enjoy the summer fruits while they last...Wendy