Talbot Farmers' Market

This month visit Talbot Farmers' Market for all of your Christmas goodies on Sunday December 16th from 9 am until 1 or 2 pm, Scandinavian Crescent, Talbot.

NEW ADDITIONS ... some real locals, Carisbrook butcher with ham, sausages and all sorts of carnivorous fair. Stoney Creek Oils, grown and made in Talbot, a family run company producing fresh natural Oilseed products and specializing in Organic Flaxeed oil and meal, the richest in Omega 3 for general well being. Mushroom kits for Christmas (for those who have everything), Angelica Organic Farm return to add to the growing number of fresh organic farmers and there will be cherries, strawberries and stone fruit ... yay

TALBOT FARMERS MARKET – THE HEART OF THE GOLDFIELDS

Deservedly one of the best regarded farmers’ markets in Victoria and possibly Australia, the Talbot Farmers’ market continues to draw thousands of people to the historic Goldfields town on the third Sunday of each month.

As we move into summer and the spring plantings come into harvest, expect to see plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit for sale, direct from the soil of the producer. Luscious tomatoes, crisp beetroot, peas and beans, corn, all kinds of citrus and stonefruit – blood oranges, plums, lemons, apricots, nectarines and peaches. Fresh herbs and lettuces.

But this market is so much more, as lovely as the fresh fruit and veges are – and they are truly delicious. Your Christmas dinners can be filled entirely from the enormous range of food you can indulge yourself and your family and friends in. Rich, fruit-filled puddings from the award-winning Pud. Wicked cakes and pastries from Tea with Alice and Maria Gulyas. Rich roasts from Beckworth View Highland Cattle. Ostrich sausages, creamy cheeses. Olive oils from the producers voted the best in Victoria by The Age newspaper’s Epicure Good Food Guide. Pasta, pasta sauces, ravioli, pierogi, spaghetti, fettuccine – all the fabulous flavours that can be imagined. Juicy dried fruit, crunchy almonds and assorted nuts. We could go on and on – but it’s much better to come along and see for yourself.

And the market is so much more than food. Seedlings of innumerable plants and vegetables. Fruit trees. Wheat grain, chaff and straw. In December the organically certified linseed oils and flaxes of Stoney Creek Oils will be at the Market for the first time. Livestock: the famous Chook Fanciers, with their unparalleled choice of birds and their extensive knowledge of all things poultry. Quail. Black pigs. Worms and worm wee. There are soaps and creams, lavender products – and native grasses and trees.

Then there’s the town itself. Talbot has a Town Hall market on the same day, perfect for finding that last minute, out-of-the-ordinary gift. Visit the new Corridor Gallery at the rear of the Crescent Community Centre for artworks, or drop into the fabulous Fanny’s Flat for the best in vintage and new clothing and accessories. Amble your way to Talbot Railway Station for railway memorabilia, drought tolerant plants and art. Slightly Bent Books on the corner of Camp Street and Scandinavian Crescent is full of literary wonders – and next door Shed 47 houses a gallery of large paintings whilst a few steps down is a treasure trove of collectables.

Eating out on the day is no worry. The Court House Hotel/motel does terrific roast on Market Day. The Quince Farm Café is renowned for coffee, cakes and unfailingly sunny attitude. And the latest addition to our food family, Big Fig Café. You need to taste the food there to believe how fine it is.

The Talbot Farmers Market is held on the third Sunday of each month – rain, hail or shine, 9am to 2pm, in Scandinavian Crescent and Camp Street, Talbot. (Mel Ref 620 J11)

Most of this article above was published in the Central Goldfields Visitor Guide December 2007.