Cape Town - When the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Cape Town was born it was, like most babies, small.
It was held every Saturday morning close to the farm itself, supplying fresh produce to local residents along with plenty of scrummy cooked meals and interesting organic foods.
Then it grew up a bit and moved to Leeuwenhof, the historic premier’s residence in Oranjezicht. But wet winter conditions don’t do the lawns there, or the parking area any favours, so the market has undergone another growth spurt and another move, this time to Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront.
The market is under the cover of several tents, which means the rain is not a deterrent – unless you want to sit at one of the tables to eat while contemplating the view of Table Bay. Said Sheryl Ozinsky, a founding volunteer of the Oranjezicht City Farm: “The Waterfront has shown itself to be truly committed to the goals of expanding access to local organic produce and expanding opportunities for our small-scale local organic farmers. Not only has it provided our market with a stunning winter venue, but has brought partners to the table and worked to make the move itself as well as weekly operations affordable for our volunteer-run non-profit.”
In the first tent you’ll find the first of more than 60 traders selling things like tuna biltong, freshly squeezed juices, cheeses, breads, almond milk and a host of other pantry items. Move through that and there will be the central farmers’ market with all sorts of fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables. Some you’ll recognise – carrots and tomatoes are easy – but there are some unusual ingredients for you to experiment with in the kitchen. Like chu chu – or chayote – which is a member of the gourd family, along with melons, cucumbers and squash. If this leaves you confused as to what to do with it, they give you a useful recipe sheet.
The third tent is filled with vendors cooking up a storm, and it smells amazing in there. You can buy to eat at the market or take away for home. Drink coffees, teas, juices or smoothies, and cater to all your weird dietary needs with vegan, Banting, gluten-free or sugar-free meals.
“The Oranjezicht City Farm’s Market Day is as much a connection for urban farmers to a local consumer as it is a great offering for Capetonians,” said David Green, chief executive of the V&A Waterfront. “By supporting this initiative we are reaffirming our commitment to growing small business. A fresh food market and organic foods will be a wonderful addition to our winter offering.’’
l Located near The Lookout venue, there is loads of parking space. The market is held every Saturday from 9am till 2pm. See OZCF.co.za for more information.
Weekend Argus