I went to an organic market

Tuesday, 20 July 2010

This weekend I took the decision to skip the Springbok game and venture on down to the Saturday market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Cape Town. Oganic fruit and vegetables, freshly baked breads and cakey things, homemade pesto and refreshing  juices all resulted in a sensory overload which was a more than adequate substitute for weekend sport.

It was a morning splendidly spent perusing the many stalls and sampling the wholesome and exciting foods on offer. This was followed by basking on sunny benches thoroughly enjoying some of my purchases, which was followed by taking the rest home to be further thoroughly enjoyed with this week’s meals.

Organic culture and agriculture are far more sustainable than commercial farming methods and the produce is a lot healthier for human consumption. Organic farming methods do not include the use of chemicals and pesticides which pollute the earth’s soil and water as well as our bodies.

Organic benefits

According to IFOAM,  the worldwide umbrella organization for the organic movement:

“Organic agriculture enhances soil structures, conserves water, mitigates climate change, and ensures sustained biodiversity. Through its holistic nature, organic farming integrates wild biodiversity, agro-biodiversity and soil conservation, and takes low-intensity farming one step further by eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which is not only an improvement for human health (food quality) and agrobiodiversity, but also for the associated off farm biotic communities.”

SA organic markets

Visiting your local market is a fun and different weekend activity, as well as a great way to support local trade, promote organic practices and enjoy the health benefits of consuming fresh organically grown produce.

Organic markets take place all over South Africa, here are just a few of them:

Bryanston Organic and Natural Market, Gauteng

Shongweni Farmers Market, Kwazulu Natal

Evergreens, the fresh market, Pretoria

Slow Food Market, Stellenbosch

Do you visit an organic market in your area? Leave a comment and tell us about it!