The Farmer's Wife

It's only been in recent times that you have been the "face" of The Farmer's Wife (which we adore!).  How long as The Farmer's Wife been part of the Orange Grove Market community and when did you take over the reins

I've been "The Farmer's Wife" for just over 4 years.  The Farmer's Wife has been part of Organic Food Markets for many years with the original Farmer's Wife being from Mudgee.

Wendy with one of the many loyal The Farmer's Wife fans

What is it about market life that makes it all worthwhile

I love coming to markets and seeing all my lovely customers (young and old) enjoying our produce, especially my jams and chutneys which are all home made by moi!

I love working with other stallholders. Ensuring that the customer is happy with my produce is a fantastic experience and when the sun shines there is no better way to spend a morning!

What has been one of the biggest or bizarre orders of any product you have had to date

I make in total approximately 45 different products and am amazed at the requests for something I don't have/make

Always with a smile and love to share despite/inspite early starts.  From start to finish, how long does it take to stock up/load up and get ready for market day

I try to cook 4 to 5 jams and/or chutneys every day otherwise I can't keep up.  Once a week I collect eggs from the markets and once a month I drive to Mudgee to pick up the best honey you will ever eat! 

It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to Orange Grove Market and 1 hour to set up, but only 30 mins to pack down and then when at home it's time for the ceremonial feet up/cup of tea!

If you could sum up Orange Grove Market in 5 words, what would they be

Great food, atmosphere, customers and happiness!!

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We love the, we know YOU love them so huge thanks to Wendy for spending some time and giving us a little bit of insight in to exactly how that Farmer got the Wife!

we couldn't resist putting this sexy new display for The Farmer's Wife...cause it kind of sums her up to a tee: stylish, old fashioned and a permanent fixture in all our lives!

Sharing some Orange Grove love with Serena and Healthy Glow

When did you first discover what is arguably one of the Inner West's top Saturday markets

While living in Leichhardt a few years ago, my interest in healthy living was sparked by a series of health related issues in my life.  I began my quest for fresh organic produce after learning it could have a significant impact on my overall well being.  It only took one visit to Orange Grove and a few meals to get hooked on the flavours and prospect of a new reality. 

I traded in my miserable supermarket experience for the fresh tasty market adventure which held the opportunity to reconnect to my body and soul in every basket full of beautiful fresh food.  I chuckle to myself when I think back to the early days when I'd take one small bag to fill. How things have changed, in more ways than one.

Are you a seriously organised/lists/bags at the ready type shopper or do you like to go with the flow, take your time, sample as you go and surprise yourself with new discoveries type shopper

These days I head to Orange Grove heavily equipped with every shopping bag created, whether it be on wheels or superimposed, with determination in my stride and anticipation for what I might discover this time.  My shopping style is generally relaxed and open unless I'm on a time limit. I always have a good sense of what I want and need but I let the sights and sounds, so to speak, guide me.  

One of the best aspects of market shopping is how the season ultimately determines what you buy and I'm a strong believer that this connection to the Earth and nature is in our best interests.  I'm always keen to try new things and won't say no to a delicious sample.

What is the number one must buy for you and why (if you have more than one that's absolutely fine!  the more the merrier)

It's almost impossible to identify a number one purchase when it comes to my market shop. Of course for a foodie like myself food is my top priority and always organic.  Fresh fruit and vegetables are the stars in my shop but I also love the organic eggs and meat.  

From time to time I buy other goodies such as skin care, jewellery and even clothes.  And without a doubt if I had an outdoor living space, I'd stock up on plants and herbs.  Did I mention flowers? They are a must!

What is it about markets like ours that form a pivotal part of not just the local community 

I could rant and rave for too long about the value of a local community based market but I'll do my best to keep it short.  Any concept that brings people to the outdoors while engaging with each other in purposeful and social conversation with the outcome of connectedness and possible new relationships, is fundamental to any prosperous community.  Added with a focus on real food and general well being that builds the community's awareness about healthy living, and you have the beginnings of what I'd call a revolution in what's fast becoming a highly processed world.  No one can argue that in this day in age we need this more than ever.  Of course you can't over look the support this scenario provides for local farmers and businesses.  

My faith in our intelligence is restored when I notice the growing number of people walking through the gates of Orange Grove. We must remember that as consumers we have the power to create a brighter future for our community.  

How would you sum up the world of Orange Grove Markets in 5 words

Community

Connectedness

Opportunity

Creative

Fresh

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We love the philosophy, we love the fact that she loves our markets, and we love that you love to read about her love of our markets and if you aren't already...it's imperitave that you ensure Orange Grove Market becomes YOU'RE favourite place to shop on a Saturday morning!

A lovely little SHOUTOUT to our most marvellous fans

Prue

Our French Impressions

Yasinta

janiepops00

Edge Wellness

Hannah

g_l_o_w

5 Questions with Erkut & Putrino's

When did Putrino's make their debut at Orange Grove Markets

G & M Putrino have been at Orange Grove for 10 years and for me personally, I have been here for about 4 years

Not only is your produce totally delicious, you are constantly busy which is excellent for any stallholder.  What is about being part of the market community that separates it from a retail outlet or a supermarket chain.

Always having loads quality fresh produce at hand and loads of people each with their unique personality

As your produce grows so does your stall size. From set up to packdown, from picking up produce to arriving at market.  It is not a life for the faint-hearted.  When does your day actually start and after all is said and done, what time do you finally get home and put your feet up to relax.

Very early start leaving home at 3am, then its off to the farm to collect the truck which is packed with market produce

with thanks to the BBQ Aroma King for allowing us to use this photo of the stallie dawn arrival 

Market done and finally pack down complete, I get home about 5pm

Whatever the weather you are at market.  We absolutely appreciate it and we KNOW for a fact that the shoppers do also.  What has been the biggest sale at any market in one day

We always make sure we show up in any weather because we know our customers rely on us being there and we absolutely appreciate that they come out whatever the weather.

Some days we do incredibly well and sell totally out.  But when the weather ain't that great obviously it's a bit slower but fortunately for us, it's not that often.

It's hard to put a figure on best seller because our costs and produce change according to season and weather.

For anyone who has yet to discover the delights of your Orange Grove goodies, what 5 words would you use to get em in and have a sample

Come and have a taste!

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You heard the man....get in and have a taste!

Sharing the love with Crystal Thomas

How long has Orange Grove Markets been in your life?

We have been going to the markets for as long as they've been there.  I remember when it was a few hay bales and some organic fruit...it just kept growing!

Are you one of those "got the list, fly in, fly out" type of shoppers or do you like to make a it slow and easy, embracing life, the universe and everything type of experiences

My parents are the ultimate planners.  They go armed with green bags and list.  First is the fruit and veg near the entrance, then the egg stall, then yoghurt from the stall behind the buskers.

My mum then gets a goat's milk smoothie and they head home (across the road), drop off all their goodies and head back to the markets.

My Mum loves to browse all the clothe stalls and my Dad flees (he hates shopping!) and joins the infamous queue for the ultimate bacon & egg roll.

Is there an absolute must-buy every week item and why

A chilli latte from Mayan Coffee, to consume while watching the pony rides and the awesome Inner West multi-tasking Dads - who hold 5 bags, 2 bacon & egg rolls and still manage to film their kids on the ponies while the Mums have a much deserved break with their coffees....at least that is what I have observed!

Do you have an all time number one favourite recipe made with produce from our markets and are you prepared to share it or would you have to kill us first!

Yes I do!!! It's a raw cabbage salad:

• 1/2 a cabbage (white or savoy)
• several birds eye chilli (depending on how you feel about spice)
• several garlic cloves
• several French eschalots
• a lemon
• olive oil
• salt & pepper

Finely slice the cabbage and put into a heat-proof bowl.  Chop the chilli, garlic and eschalot, then put them in a pan with a generous amount of olive oil. Cook on medium heat until transparent/golden and turn off the heat.  Squeeze desired amount of lemon juice, add to them to the pan immediately (before the olive oil cools down).  Tip the mixture on to the raw cabbage and mix through.

The heat from the mixture softens the cabbage without cooking it.  

Serve!!!!  It's crunchy an delicious and goes really well with a piece of meat or fish or boiled potatoes to soak up the juices.

this is NOT a photo of the recipe but it's so beautiful 

and made with produce from the markets we simply HAD to include it!

If you had to sum up the Orange Grove Market Inner Westie Saturday ritual in 5 words, what would they be?

Vibrant, community-spirited, delicious and heart-warming!

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And with that we thank Crystal for sharing not just her love and photos but an AMAZING recipe!  We think it needs to be tested and tasted sooner rather than later