In this International Year of Soil – it is timely to reflect that soils are the foundation for food, animal feed, fuel and natural fibre production, the supply of clean water, nutrient cycling and a range of ecosystem functions. If you have young children you might be interested in downloading the free colouring and activity book at https://www.soils.org/files/iys/iys-colorbook-for-web.pdf
And this week it is International Compost Awareness Week. Some lucky shopper will win a compost kit – consisting of a bin, turning fork, gloves and a bag of bio char. The compost bin alone is valued at more than $60.00.
With thanks to Tweed Shire Council who will have a stall at the market this week to help you with any questions you have about composting. Stop by and have a chat with Evan Lockhart about composting and improving your soil.
Fact: 90% of our farmers travel less than 55 klms to bring their fresh produce to the market.
What’s New this week?
New season custard apples this week at Clothiers Creek Fresh Produce. This amazing fruit can take up to 20 weeks to ripen from the time the fruit first appears on the tree. Super sweet the fruit is ready to eat when the fruit gives slightly under the skin when gently pressed. When cut in half it is perfect to eat straight from its own self contained package but it is also delightful caramelised and placed on a sourdough bread with Nimbin Valley fetta.
TANZO Apples has their new season pears, Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples – an all time favourite referred to by many as the Queen of the apples. The Pink Lady has a crisp dense and firm texture that makes your mouth water before you even take that first bite.
Sylva Lining Organics has loads of rocket – that delightful slightly peppery leafy green so great for tossed salads and smoothies. 
Bio Organic Farm has Organic Chinese cabbages, lebanese cucumbers, and lots of mixed lettuce.
Jumping Red Ant continues to have early Fuerte avocados.
Stallholder updates:
Finger limes have basically finished. Fran said that they have a few of the two remaining varieties to be picked and these will be available at Sylva Lining Organics stall.
Tweed Shire Council stall – with Evan Lockhart – will be in the grassed area this week for International Compost Week.
Supporting the Community:
The Murwillumbah Community Men’s Shed will be back this week with more of their very popular camphorlaurel breadboards. They will be next to Crumbs and Stuff in the pavilion.
Entertainment this week: Tamara Cox
The weather forecast is for a mostly sunny day with a pleasant temperature range of 16 – 27 degrees. Perfect for a beautiful market day.
Produce of the week (newest season produce is in bold):
- Apples (Pink Lady variety)
- Avocados (Fuertes)
- Bananas
- Beans
- Corn
- Cucumbers (Lebanese)
- Dragon Fruit
- Finger limes
- Passionfruit
- Pears
- Red Papaya
- Sprouts
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
Seasonal Produce List Updated:
Vegetables
Beans (+organic), Beetroot (+organic), Broccoli, Cabbage, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Chard (organic), Chilli, Cucumber (+organic), Corn (+organic), Eggplant (+organic), Garlic (+organic), Herbs (basil + organic basil, coriander, ginger, rocket, turmeric and more), Kale (+organic), Lettuce (cos organic), Fancy Lettuce and mixed salad greens, Micro greens (+ wide variety of organic such as alfalfa, barley greens, sunflower, broccoli, chick pea), Mizuna, Onion (+organic), Pak Choi (organic), Potato (Sebago) , Pumpkin (+organic), Salad Mix, Silver Beet, Sprouts (+organic), Spinach (+organic), Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato (+organic), Tatsoi (organic) Tomatoes (+organic), Taro, Watercress, Wheat grass, Zucchini (+organic).
Fruit
Apples, Avocados, Bananas (Cavendish, Lady Fingers and Little Gem), Blueberries, Dragon Fruit, Grapefruit, Lemons, Limes, Mandoes, Oranges (organic), Passionfruit, Paw Paw, Pears, Rock melons, Strawberries, watermelons.
Nuts
Pecan nuts and macadamia nuts (back in April)
Dairy
Cows milk, cheeses and yoghurt, kefir.
Goats milk and soft cheeses, kefir
Honey
Raw unprocessed honey, creamed honey and creamed honey with cinnamon! And bees wax candles also.
Breads
A variety of artisan sour dough breads baked with organic flours and flavours that use local market products including macadamia nut bread!
Meat
Beef, lamb and pork (All Natural Meat Company), Salami (Nimbin Valley Diary)