Slow Food Farmers’ Market

The Abbotsford Convent Slow Food Market is my fav in the city. I’ve been coming here for 7 years and I love it. It’s held on the 4^th Saturday of the month.
I love the setting in the Convent grounds, I love the walk /​ride along the river to get here and I love ending it with a beer /​wine at the Bakery.
I don’t think this is a market where many could afford to do their weekly shopping but it’s great to get some specialist items of superb quality.
My fav items here are the only PROPER style pork English sausages from Pacdon I’ve found in Australia and the pork pie and bacon is fab too!
The biggest perk of coming here is to pick up a few bottles of Peregrine Ridge red wine from Heathcote — it’s by far my fav Australian wine. There’s not a dud amongst them. A special place in my heart is the sparkly shiraz — just amazing.

This is one of four inner city markets run by the Melbourne Community Farmers Markets. Held on the 4^th Saturday of the month it is unique as it demonstrates both Slow Food principles as well as meeting the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association accreditation criteria of being direct from local producers only.
So what is The Slow Food movement? You know when people say tomatoes, meat or fruit were tastier back in the day? That’s because we used to eat traditional slow growing varieties and breeds. So globally, Slow food is about protecting those heirloom and rare breed varieties of food, which are fast becoming extinct in favour of modified fast growing produce that suits the turnover of supermarkets, fast food chains and industry.
It is also about supporting your local farmers and producers, without the middle man. Slow Food Australia says «We build networks between grower and eater, agriculture and market, community and world. We champion good, clean, fair and local food in ways that enhance knowledge, respect and passion.»
So while this produce may not be familiar nor look as perfect as shop food, it is significantly more tasty, takes longer to produce, is chemical free, raised and handled ethically and works towards creating a sustainable future for the planet. The supermarket duopoly does not. So there’s another point of difference.
At the front of this market is seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, baked goods etc, in the courtyard at the back is meat, fish, dairy and cheese. And then there is the amazing Slow Food breakfast stall.
If you really want to taste the difference, eat this stall’s food before shopping and skip the Convent Bakery. You’ll find the Slow Food stall’s dishes have all been made from produce at the market. All made from scratch, no packet mixes or industrial processed foods. It’s a beautiful example of what you can actually do with the market’s food.
We go regularly and learn a lot from talking to the farmers there. They give you cooking and handling tips and are happy to answer questions. If you come too, come early before everything sells out and bring your own bags, these farmers want to do you a favour by reducing waste too.

I absolutely love Farmers Markets. The idea of buying directly off farmers is a nice idea, as is being in touch with the people who produce such things. But I have to say that I find the Slow Food Farmers Market to be a little bit of a disappointment for me.
The Slow Food Farmers Market is held on the last Saturday of every month within the confines of the Abbotsford Convent. The first thing that annoys me is the fact that you have to pay $ 2 to get in. Look I know it is only $ 2 and it does go to the great cause of the Convent Maintenance. Foundation fund. But if you are just popping by for a coffee at the Convent Bakery it can be a little annoying that it essentially costs you $ 6. I think that the stall cost for the store holder should more than cover the bill.
My second point of contention is the general lack of good produce. It is definitely not the kind of market where you come away with your weeks shopping or even a handful of ingredients. At best you’ll come away with a pickle and a few pieces of fruit and veg.
But regardless of this, The Slow Food Farmers Market is a great place to go on a Saturday morning to soak up the vibes and to try and support the local small hold farmers and purveyors of all things gourmet.