Members of the public got to sample the best produce the county has to offer at the new artisan market in Ipswich today.
Members of the public got to taste, smell and observe as culinary experts from around the county showcased their products at the new artisan market in Ipswich today.
The best producers from the region gathered under one roof for the first ever Suffolk Farmers’ Market at Trinity Park. There were live cooking demonstrations, food tasting and products on show- with a range of very intriguing stalls to have a look at.
Busy Bees Cosmetics were one of the 55 producers at the event, offering a range of products using their Stour Valley Apiaries honey, which comes from their 19 different honeybee sites around Lavenham.
Their recent and most unusual product on offer was their beeswax wraps- which are a reusable and natural alternative to cling film.
These are sold in a range of of colours and patterns, and involve soaking 100% cotton with their own beeswax, pine resin and jojoba oil.
Alongside their natural cling film alternatives were lipbalms, pet paw lotions, and honey jars- all homemade and developed using their own honeybees.
Julie Thorn, known as The Bee Farmer’s Wife, runs the business with her husband Kevin, after they decided for a career change after years in banking.
“Coming to events like this is really lovely- you get to meet a range of people and get to put the word out their about your business,” said Julie, whose husband Kevin farms the bees. “It’s really beneficial to get feedback from people about our products.”
A few stalls along, the New England Boar company offered the finest wild boar products, including chorizo, sausage rolls and fresh meat.
The company began in November 2015 with Jim Bolton, his girlfriend Vicky Gamble and their hairy friends- the wild boar.
Vicky Gamble and friend Erika Flatman showcased their products at the market and explained how the boar was such good quality.
“It’s not too tough and it’s not too old, 18 months is the perfect time to get the best tasting meat,” said Erika.
“We feed them as much natural foraging as possible,” continued Vicky.
Not only were the independent stalls impressed by the event- but members of the public also had good things to say about the day which was free entry.
The reaction from the public was great, said Chief Executive Officer of Suffolk Agricultural Association, Phillip Ainsworth.
“We’ve been delighted with the response so far,” said Mr Ainsworth, who lives just outside Hadleigh.
“We are hoping to hold the market quarterly to tie in with the seasons and give the local people the chance to showcase their products.”
On offer were a range of different products- catering for various food allergies and requirements, according to many people at the market.
Sally Redfern from Woodbrdige was among those who were surprised by the various options on offer.
“There was so much information on offer- my friend has a food intolerance which normally makes these events challenging, but the Farmers’ Market catered for everyone.”
You can check out the full list of producers at the marketonline.
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