I absolutely love the Subi Farmers Market and before having junior burger it was an eating outing that I enjoyed when I woke up early enough. I wrote about my Subi Farmers Market eats in 2012 and am excited to hear that my favourite Tom the Greek is still there every Saturday from 8am until noon.
My writer Tania headed along to the Subi Farmers Market more recently for a guided tour of the market. Read on for what she thought including what gourmet foods to eat or take home from the Subi Farmers Market.
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Subiaco Primary School has educated Western Australian children since 1897, and while most kids would kick and scream to be dragged back to school on a weekend, plenty of young children roam happily around the Subi Farmers Market at this very primary school … on a Saturday.
There is definitely a family friendly vibe to the Subi Farmers Market as groups meet up and congregate under a huge tree in the square, to enjoy the hot breakfasts and coffee, while being entertained by local musicians.
The local residents who make up the Subi Farmers Market committee embrace a community feel and obviously encourage dog lovers, as I lose count of the variety of breeds that accompany their owners around the grounds. Restless children are also catered for as the adjacent oval provides an area where they can release pent-up energy, pet the animals from the animal farm, or take part in face painting and other creative activities.
In its sixth year, the 100% not-for-profit Subi Farmers Market (all proceeds are ploughed back into the school), has evolved from a few traders hoping to interest passersby in their wares into what has become a massively popular outing for a couple of thousand people who visit every Saturday.
Each week 75 stallholders set up around the school grounds in order to showcase their products, which they must produce themselves. Beauty products , shampoos and soaps are handmade from scratch with local ingredients, and unique garden art and other creations are crafted by hand. Subi Farmers Market manager Anna, explains that this is one of the largest farmers’ markets in Western Australia and says, “The criteria is that the produce must be grown in Western Australia. Priority is given to organic and bio-dynamic food. We also encourage health, sustainable living and support small local businesses.”
Stallholders trek from as far as Albany and Gingin but most live in the metropolitan area. The market is open from 8am until 12pm and by 10.30am the week I visited, much of their biggest supplier, Fiolo Fruits’ stock, has been sold already. It is a busy morning and the main things I notice are the noise and the aromas, both overwhelming but uplifting!
As I wander around I take advantage of the tasting samples of chorizo.
And watch displays, such as Tony who demonstrates rubbing oil onto raw timber cutting boards, which double as platters, to show off the grain.
Completely gluten free baked goods and free range eggs are available from Strange Grains.
I love soup on a cold winters’ day but Suppa Club also make chilled summer soups like strawberry and rhubarb served with Greek yoghurt, granola, mint and honey. No soup is complete without dipping in crusty bread!
Honey I’m Home Produce sell only raw honey from their own and local Apiaries. They also provide tips on beekeeping and the health benefits of eating honey.
The family owned and operated Guinea Grove Farm sell extra virgin olive oils.
But If 100% organic almond oil is more your style, you can purchase it from Abbi. Besides the healthy there is also the decadent, as Maison Saint Honore, located in the Swan Valley, make macarons in 12 different flavours.
The Honeycake vendor tells me they use a recipe from the Czech Republic with all locally sourced ingredients, handmade in Fremantle. The sample tastes of honey caramel and walnuts and has no artificial colours or flavours.
Why eat breakfast looking at walls in cafes when you can indulge in Perth’s gorgeous weather and soak up the atmosphere of the Subi Farmers Market at the same time. Chow down outdoors and mingle with other like-minded souls who are savvy enough to know that shopping at Subi Farmers Market benefits everyone.
Oh and don’t grab the first free car spot you see like I did, drive around before parking, especially if you plan on purchasing big!
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About Tania
Tania Connolly is a freelance writer who has been published in a variety of magazines including Caravan World, Inside Football and Australian Family. Her passion is people and she loves listening to interesting stories. Summers on the beach and a great book are also favourites.
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Check out foodie cravings Perth restaurant reviews page for more food things to try in Perth.
