Market manager Kardien Gerbrands talks about Swindon farmers' markets

WE are introducing a new feature at the Sunday farmers market and in this column.

Every week we hope to feature a market manager’s choice, which will highlight a particular product available at the market that week.

To kick off the new feature this week’s Manager’s Choice is Auntie Caroline’s Shockingly Good Shallots.

Pickled in pure balsamic vinegar they have a sweeter taste than standard pickles. Firm to the bite with a pleasant heat they go great with cold meats and salads. The vinegar can be used as a dip with oil for crusty bread when the shallots are all gone. A 240g jar costs £3.50 or three jars for £10.

Elsewhere on the market this week, Seven Bridges Honey Farm return, after a long absence, with the first of this year’s local honey.

The honey is a bit later than usual this year due to the cold spring but there is now some honey coming in from the bees and we should have a regular supply for the next couple of months at least; all depending on how the weather develops. Last year was a disaster for Seven Bridges with only a third of the honey produced as compared to 2014.

Summer produce is coming on as well with strawberries, some lovely cauliflowers at Paget’s and asparagus, tomatoes and lettuce available at Styan’s Produce.

The farmers’ market is at Swindon Designer Outlet every Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Markets

  • Bradford on Avon, third Thursday, 9am to 1pm at Westbury Gardens, BA15 1DE.
  •  Bradford on Avon, last Sunday, 10.30am to 2.30pm at Lamb Yard, BA15 1FG.
  •  Calne, second Saturday, 9am to 1pm, near the library, SN11 0JU.
  •  Corsham, third Saturday, 9am to 1pm, High Street SN13 0HB.
  •  Devizes, first Saturday, 9am to 1pm, Market Place l Malmesbury, second and fourth Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, Market Cross 
  •  Royal Wootton Bassett, fourth Saturday, 9am to 1pm, High Street.
  •  Salisbury, weekly on Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm, Poultry Cross.
  •  Swindon Farmers’ Market, every Sunday, 10am to 4pm, Swindon Designer Outlet, Kemble Drive, SN2 2DY.
  •  Havelock Square Farmers’ Market, Swindon, every Thursday, 9am to 2.30pm.
  •  Trowbridge, second and fourth Friday, 9am to 1pm, Fore Street, BA14 8HX.
  •  Wanborough, third Saturday, 9am to midday, Wanborough Village Hall.
  •  Warminster, first and third Fridays, 9am to 1pm, central car park, BA 12 9BT