Two Good Reasons to visit Killavullen Farmers Market

Two Good Reasons to visit Killavullen Farmers Market

Noreen

Lots of good things available at the Killavullen Farmers Market, excellent produce and lovely people among them, but I have two major tasty reasons (out of 102) to visit: Ciaran’s Sausage Roll and Noreen’s Mince Pies. Just as well I didn’t taste them until I got home; otherwise I’d have bought the lot, each the best in its class that I’ve ever come across.

That famous Sausage Roll!

Both Ciaran and Noreen are regular stall holders here, always doing their bit to promote the market and the idea of good local food and community. Last Saturday, Ciaran told me that it is their 17th year running. “We are proud to say we are one of the longest running farmers markets in the country!” Just two dates remain for 2019: December 14th (10.30 to 1.00pm) and the very special evening Christmas market December 21st (3.00pm to 7.00pm).

Ciaran, from Maura’s Kitchen, was displaying their great assortment of homemade hedgerow cordials, and seasonal jams, free range eggs and, of course, those delicious sausage rolls made from their own free range pigs.”

El Door's Dariusz Skulimowski, better known in the market as Dar or Darek

Noreen, Noz Ni Bhriain on Facebook, has quite a variety on her stall over the season. On Saturday, we were interested in something for lunch or dinner and so we bought a few slices of quiche (of which she had a terrific selection -we got spinach/mushroom and feta/squash) and a couple of slices of her very tempting Apple and Wild Fruit Tart. And she threw in a couple of those mince pies for free as as she did with other customers. What’s not to like?

Ciaran

Some artisan bread? No problem. El Door is there, with a joke and smile, and lots of breads, including sourdough. Loads of doughnuts, Danish pastries, not to mention Cornish Pasties.

Moved on then to the Chemical Free Vegetable Stall and filled a bag with leeks, kale and turnips. Again there was quite a selection here.

The products available are numerous, including local fresh organic vegetables and eggs, fruit and vegetables from small local producers, potatoes and preserves, award winning cheeses, apples and apple juice, bread and baking, flowers and plants, knits and crochet, jewellery and candles, natural soaps and organic essential oils, Irish made skin & body care products, environmentally friendly cleaning products, charity bookstall, fair trade products available at tea and coffee stall. Whats on offer varies with the seasons. As Ciaran says: “Feel free to come and browse. Our prices are competitive, our quality excellent and a warm welcome awaits you.”

Chemical free

The ‘Killavullen organic buyers group’ community stall have a great range of dried goods, preserves, herbs, spices, teas and coffees to name just a few! Available at very competitive rates they also stock environmentally friendly detergents, shampoos, conditioners etc and offer refills, when you bring your own container!

The community market was founded in 2002 following a conference on the theme of "Food we buy", in response to Darina Allen’s inspirational presentation. The market is set in the peaceful surroundings of the Nano Nagle Centre in the Blackwater valley.

Mince Pies

This market promotes the very important social side of life as well as being a commercial outlet for local producers. Having a cuppa in the cafe at the end of the polytunnel is a great chance to catch up and to make new friends. The Market encourages contributions from children who participate both in the stalls and by providing music.

That polytunnel, a godsend when the weather turns to rain, is set up alongside the car park of the Nano Nagle Centre in the Blackwater valley, just off the N72. Some lovely walks, one by the banks of the Blackwater itself, in the grounds. Just another reason to visit!

Anyone for quiche? Spinach/mushroom and Feta/squash

Killavullen Farmers Market
Nano Nagle Centre
Killavullen, Mallow
Co. Cork
Tel: 085 154 7544

Superb Kale, and so much more, at Killavullen Market

Superb Kale at Killavullen Market

"Throw in a few beans, please!"

Delighted I made it to the Killavullen Farmers Market last Saturday. Brought the bags, as usual - no point in going to a market unless you bring bags - and filled them up.

A big welcome and lots of good things to eat and drink here. Rory and his Kildinan Farm organic stall caught the eye and not just because of his colourful vegetables (including yellow courgettes and black and yellow beans) but also because of his selection of great looking kale.

He had three types for sale but we eventually went for the Nero di Tuscano. Glad we did. It is terrific. Big dark leaves, beautiful texture and oh so very tasty.

We used the Kale and the beans (the black goes green, the yellow white, when cooked!) with a beautiful piece of hake from Yawl Bay Seafoods (enhanced with some of that amazing IASC seafood butter, of course!), a lovely dish.

By coincidence, I came across this recipe on Twitter this morning: Maple Drizzled Strawberry Kale Salad. What do you think? If you're doing it, why not use the Highbank Orchard Syrup.

The Killavullen market is held about twice each month in the Nano Nagle Centre  on the Mallow-Fermoy Road and it is appropriate that organic produce features highly. The centre’s mission now “is to promote a vision of eco spirituality” and it runs a 32 acre organic farm here. Directions to the centre and the market here.

Indeed, the Nano Nagle centre has its own stall in the market and here we got some very flavoursome organic tomatoes. All of the stalls are indoor, sheltered under a large polytunnel so the market is weather-proofed. Great idea.

Much to buy here. We got a few bars of the gorgeous Clonakilty Chocolate (including my Himalayan Salt favourite!) and  a lovely Spelt and Honey loaf from a well stocked bakery stall. And of course who could pass the Fermoy Natural Cheese stall? Not me. Enjoyed a lovely chat with Gudrun Shinnick as I sampled the cheese and bought some of her famous Cais Dubh and also some of the same cheese embedded with fenugreek seeds. She also has milk and kefir on sale here.

Fermoy Natural Cheese

A quote from the market site just to give you a better idea of what is available: The products available are numerous including local fresh organic vegetables and eggs, imported fruit and vegetables from small producers to complement the local, potatoes and preserves, award winning cheeses, apples and apple juice, bread and baking, flowers and plants, knits and crochet, jewellery and candles, natural soaps and organic essential oils, environmentally friendly cleaning products, personalised poetry and greeting cards, charity bookstall, recycled paper products and fair trade products available at tea and coffee stall. The market received a Cork Environmental Award in 2009.

Kathy and her skin care stall

Last Saturday was also a special Arts and Food Celebration so there was even more to enjoy, including a pottery-making stand where you, or at least the kids, could get hands-on experience.

We came across a vibrant looking herb stall on the way out and saw a pot of basil with smaller leaves than usual. If I remember rightly, it is a Greek basil. Correct name or not, it is now standing on the kitchen windowsill.

Peace on the Blackwater. The river flows by the Nano Nagle Centre

You can also have a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking, maybe before or after the market or perhaps after taking one of several walks through the centre. We did the Cosmic Walk and that took us past a very large and impressive sundial.

Then we strolled through the animal enclosures, a couple of donkeys grazing, two pigs poking in the dust with their snouts and grunting happily and a community of hens clucking. Down  a few steps then to a field where a curious calf stared back and a few minutes later we were on the peaceful banks of the lovely Blackwater. After the walk, it was back to the car and a quiet cross country drive through the drizzly hills as we returned to the city.

Sundial.