FRESH FROM THE FARM
THE VIRTUES OF FARM SHOPS AND MARKETS
WITH OUR GREEN PASTURES , ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE AND FERTILE SOILS , KENT HAS BECOME FAMOUS AS THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND . FOR GENERATIONS KENT FARMERS HAVE BEEN HARVESTING THE RIPE LAND WE LIVE ON TO FEED NOT ONLY OUR OWN COUNTY , BUT THE REST OF ENGLAND TOO . WITH SO MUCH LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION , IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT FARM SHOPS AND MARKET STALLS HAVE BEEN POPPING UP ACROSS KENT FOR CENTURIES .
THE HOP SHOP AT CASTLE FARM
2020 is no exception , with both new and well-established companies blossoming all around . Local meats , cheeses , fruits , and vegetables are on offer from local people everywhere , from Tunbridge Wells to Canterbury , Ashford to Dover , and Bromley to Broadstairs . Despite having all of this variety on our doorstep , many of us were still opting for the convenience of subpar products from supermarket chains , pre-lockdown . Fast forward a couple of months , it seems as if the global pandemic has kickstarted a change in shopping habits for Kentish folk , who are discovering the wonders of the bountiful Kent countryside through fresh and local food markets and farm shops .
But what are the virtues of making the switch from big businesses to local farm shops ? insideKENT finds out .
Connecting People , Building Communities
Markets and farm shops capture the very heart of Kent , throw a stone and you ’ ll hit a market bringing local people together over good food and drink . Shopping local allows you to connect to the people and world around you , it allows you to appreciate the food that comes home and gets roasted in the oven . Allowing us to understand the process of farming to fork a little better .
By shopping at farm shops , local butchers and farmers markets you can speak directly to your food suppliers , find out how and where your food was grown , reared or made , and be reassured of its quality and freshness .
Browsing local markets , exploring new varieties of produce in your local farm shop , and testing new cuts from your butcher , brings new enjoyment to your food shopping and your home dining experience . Take the family and make a day of it , discover your new go-to suppliers , and be first in line for any new ingredients , handmade with love treats , or seasonal produce to lift any dish . All whilst taking pride in knowing that your food spend will also be going straight back into your own local community - as well as helping to preserve the rolling countryside landscapes we admire and love .
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