Three Scottish farmers' markets have been named among the best in the UK to visit this spring.
With the season being an ideal time to enjoy the UK’s freshest produce, many farmers and horticulturists regularly gather in their local area to sell their finest stock.
Everyone likely has an affinity for their local farmers' market, but new research carried out by experts at recipe box provider HelloFresh has unveiled the top 20 markets. The top-placing Scottish market, placing third overall in the UK, is Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, which received a score of 95.18 out of 100.
The weekly market is held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm at Castle Terrace, and sells a variety of locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and beer.
Following behind is the Stirling Farmers’ Market, which ranked seventh place in the UK with a score of 86.51. Held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, the market can be found on Port Street — with sourdough bread, award-winning cheeses, and Ayrshire vegetables among the tasty goods on offer.
The third and final Scottish market to appear on the list is the Perth Farmers’ Market at number 11 with a rating of 81.24. Held on the first Saturday of every month at the South Inch car park, it is home to 50 stalls selling a diverse selection of local produce and crafts.
Factors considered were how often the markets occur each month, how long they last, the number of trade stalls, and online ratings, with each market assigned an overall rating out of 100.
Senior Chef at HelloFresh Mimi Morley commented: “What can you buy at a farmers market? Typically, farmers markets sell a huge variety of meats, fruit and vegetables.
"This is because it’s fresh produce grown and nurtured in the UK and picked by the highest quality producers before heading to the market.
"If you’re a vegetarian, looking for high quality, fresh produce from the farmers markets, then I highly recommend making a vegetable tagine. This dish can be jam packed full of flavour and tastes even better knowing its ingredients were grown by UK farmers.
"Some of the finest meat cuts can be found amongst the trade stands. So, why not make a succulent sirloin steak with your favourite sauce and chips. Or make a classic chicken roast dinner when you head back home from the market."
The 20 best farmers market in the UK
- Winchester Farmers’ Market, Hampshire — 100.00
- Truro Farmers Market, Cornwall — 99.82
- Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, central Scotland — 95.18
- Blackheath Farmers’ Market, South East London — 90.09
- Taunton Farmers’ Market, Somerset — 90.07
- Cowbridge Farmers’ Market, South Glamorgan, Wales — 86.74
- Stirling Farmers’ Market, central Scotland — 86.51
- Barnes Farmers’ Market, South London — 85.82
- Haverfordwest Farmers’ Market, Pembrokeshire, Wales — 84.86
- Stroud Green Market, Gloucestershire — 82.01
- Perth Farmers’ Market, central Scotland — 81.24
- Causeway Specialty Market, Coleraine, Northern Ireland — 80.45
- Cardiff Riverside Farmers' Market, South East Wales — 78.71
- Malton Monthly Food Market, North Yorkshire — 77.80
- The Garage Farmers’ Market, Nottingham — 77.78
- Ripley Farmers’ Market, North Yorkshire — 77.55
- Moseley Farmers’ Market, Birmingham — 76.40
- Hexham Farmers’ Market, Northumberland — 75.82
- Orton Farmers’ Market, Cumbria — 73.85
- Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market, County Durham — 70.61
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