Japan Farmers Markets

Spotted at the TasFarmGate Market in Hobart, Tasmania, these Brunia Albiflora blossoms were too extraordinary not to snap up in photo form. Native to South Africa, these pine-reminiscent "blossoms" must be popular. When I came around again with my regular camera, they were gone.

Craft beer in Japan is on the rise , and as a Wisconsinite, it is my duty to search it out, sample, and then offer up an opinion. Oh, the hard life of a writer. Luckily, there are places like El Pato in Koenji, a little place a friend recommended a few years ago, and one we've returned to again and again. It just seemed reasonable to share the good news with others. Have a read and then head on over. You won't be disappointed in the beer or the food.

Chris Chamley and friends of Hobart Kitchen Garden s. Tas Farm Gate, Hobart, Tasmania. The rain continues to haunt us, although the sun seems to manage to force its way through on occasion. Don't let either stop you from wandering out to enjoy the markets this weekend. Spring is a great time to find the elusive sansai , savor the last of the winter vegetables , and perhaps nibble on the first few of spring. It is also a great time to find seedlings at the market and talk to growers about growing methods and suggestions. It really is just so much fun! Earth Day Market Sunday, April 26th I could go wax on forever about how great this market is and how important it is for the future of Japanese farming and global food security. Instead, I'll just insist that folks go and see for themselves what great things the market and these innovative growers are doing. This month the market will be a a three-day wonderland of organic and fair trade goodness not to be missed. Com

Current state of my Kanagawa Garden. I've not posted much about this, but I have a garden. While not quite as dramatic a story as my Tokyo garden , it is just as wonderful. Friends I'd made in a nearby community garden suggested I see about renting a spot. We talked to the manager, and he said some were available. My friends helped me choose one. This was in winter. "You can't plant anything now," said the manager. I said I would just do some planning. Then one by one other members of the plot came over to say hello. They, of course, brought with them seedlings from their own gardens. Within the span of two hours I went from no garden to a garden with a handful of plants (lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, onions, and strawberries) and mulch. Since then I have puttered and potted up seeds, fretted and fertilized with well-composted manure, gathered leaves and grass clippings for mulch. I have a garden journal with a tidy diagram of what I plan to do and on anothe

Eliza Wood of Mount Gnomon Farm and helper. Tas Farm Gate Market , Hobart. After nearly two straight weeks of rain the sun appears to be back. What better time to venture out and soak up some of those lovely spring vegetables, including sansai and nanohana. And what better time for it to arrive than the most farmers-markety weekend of the month! There is a fantastic selection of markets to visit, so use this opportunity to visit a new one or an old favorite. Have fun and see you at the market! Ebisu Market Sunday, April 19th Don't miss the opportunity to head to a nifty part of the city where on these sweet Sundays you'll find farmers and producers galore. (One even comes from Okutama with a lovely array of vegetables and a vegetable-based spread that will knock your socks off.) It's worth noting, too, that  Do One Good , an animal NPO will be on hand with some of the cutest dogs ever waiting to go home with you! 11am to 5pm Map Koenji Farmer's Market

Scott of Krumbies and one of his oh-so-brilliant pies. Tas Farm Gate Farmers Market, Hobart, Tasmania. Spring is in the air...along with a fair bit of wind and rain. The garden vegetables are happy, but the rest of us would surely be glad for a wee bit of sunshine. Whip up a bowl of houtou udon and then head on out to one of these great markets to find the best seasonal fruits and vegetables in the region. Market of the Sun Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th The newest of Tokyo's farmers markets,  Market of the Sun  professes to be one of the largest, and this month looks to have a bit of an Italian theme, too. Cheese, anyone?. A short walk from Tsukiji Market and its wonderful surrounds, it's worth a stop for a selection of foodly and crafty items that rivals that at the UNU Market. 10am to 4pm No map but step out of Kachidoki Station exits A4a and A4b Kamakura Farmers Market Every day A small local affair featuring Kamakura heirloom fruits and

Second in a series about farmers markets visited during a three-week stay in Melbourne and Tasmania. Oh, the memories... Chock-a-block with good food at Slow Food Melbourne's Market. Of all the farmers markets I visited in Melbourne, the Slow Food Market stole my heart. The Queen Victoria Market may lie in the heart of the city steeped in history and with no shortage of good food, but it is difficult to beat the charm and atmosphere of this monthly market. Set on the grounds of the historic Abbotsford Convent , the market offers seasonal fruit and vegetables from organic, biodynamic, forest and permaculture growers and producers. Chocolate, meat, fish, pesto, honey, jam, and more baked goods than should be legal in one setting rub shoulders with seedlings (flowers, herbs, vegetables, and perennials), hummus, and eggs. And that’s just a taste of what’s available at this friendly event. More than ants in your pants... My husband and I arrived about an hour after the m

Dr. Marty and his lovely crumpets. Slow Food Melbourne Farmers Market. Oh, the joys of April. Rain and hamami combine to form the prettiest mess a person could ask for, and farmers and gardeners everywhere are out in it planting seeds and setting out fair seedlings. My mouth is watering at the thought of homegrown potatoes, beets, kale, and Swiss Chard. All of these just sprouted in my garden, and I'm gaily munching my way through a few last winter vegetables. Head on out to one of these great markets and find a taste of Spring! Ebisu Market Sunday, April 5th and Sunday, April 19th Don't miss the opportunity to head to a nifty part of the city where on these sweet Sundays you'll find farmers and producers galore. (One even comes from Okutama with a lovely array of vegetables and a vegetable-based spread that will knock your socks off.) It's worth noting, too, that  Do One Good , an animal NPO will be on hand with some of the cutest dogs ever waiting to go ho