The way we live and the way we eat go hand-in-hand. It is easy to be lured into buying convenience food, due to the fast-paced lifestyles that we all have become accustomed to. However in recent years thankfully there seems to be an increase in consumers looking for high quality fresh products. I decided to change my own lifestyle 7 years ago by shopping more frequently at my local farmers market. Being a lover of natural, wholesome fresh food and a champion of local produce, it really was a win-win situation.

However there seems to be a misconception out there that natural food is expensive and it costs more than supermarket food. But honestly when you add in the other overall factors such as your health and well-being it’s definately not.

Healthy eating now seems to influence how consumers shop and I’m delighted see a gradual shift in the way people are now viewing food in a more holistically way.

Killavullen Farmers’ Market (my local) was established 15 years ago following a conference held on the “Food We Buy”, the theme being inspired by the guest speaker Darina Allen. The market is set in the peaceful surroundings of the Nano Nagle centre on a 32 acre certified organic farm, located on the N72 (main Mallow/Fermoy road), just outside Killavullen village in North Cork.

Although the market is a commercial outlet for local producers, it also has a very important social aspect to it. There are numerous stalls available with fresh organic vegetables, fruit, eggs, potatoes, preserves, apples, apple juice, bread, raw milk, yogurt, home-baking, flowers, plants, natural soaps, organic essential oils, environmentally friendly cleaning products, a charity bookstall, handmade crafts and fair trade products that are available at the tea and coffee stall. The list is endless, you can certainly stock up on lots of essential ingredients for cooking fresh home-made dishes.

The market is uniquely set in a french polytunnel, which offers as a protective barrier from the rain, making it suitable for all weather conditions. Market days are every second Saturday from February right through to December.

You may ask why is Killavullen Farmers’ Market so special? If I am to be honest no words would accurately convey the atmosphere there. The stall holders and visitors add such a unique feel to the market so it really does need to be experienced in order to understand its true essence. If you want my advise, it’s definately worth a trip. There are also a variety of beautiful walks in the area that can be enjoyed.

Updates can be found on their website http://www.killavullenfarmersmarket.weebly.com

Facebook: Killavullen Farmers’ Market                                  Twitter: @KillavullenMkt

Have a safe trip, enjoy the experience and let me know how you get on there!