It’s a delicious way to support small-scale growers.

Some of Cork’s most dedicated vegetable farmers are showing off a bumper haul of beautiful seasonal vegetables this autumn and they’re hoping it’s enough to entice a new crop of customers seeking chemical-free food and superior flavour.

And those aren’t the only reasons to seek out your nearest organic veggie seller.

“By buying local, you’re guaranteed the freshest, most nutrient-dense fruit and veg,” says Virginia O’Gara of My Goodness, which only sells local vegetables grown by small-scale farmers in Cork.

“It’s also low to no food miles, low carbon, plastic free, and keeps our monetary resources within the community. We keep our prices on local fruit and veg as low as possible because we believe good food is a right and not a privilege.”

Here are three spots to fill your boots (and bags):

LEAFLING MERCANTILE

This brilliant little shop in Ballinspittle is packed with pantry staples you can buy by weight (bring your own containers) but they also stock a delicious selection of locally-grown fresh goodies.

Right now you’ll find a stunning display of spuds, onions, squash, kale, and sweet potato – ideal for comforting stews and soups in the coming weeks.

Open Monday to Saturday, 10:30am-5:30pm and Sundays from 12pm.

 

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CAMUS FARM ORGANICS

With boxes of kale, chard, beans, kohlrabi, turnips, radishes, squash, and herbs, Camus Farm Organics are on hand weekly at Clonakilty Friday Market in Emmet Square.

It’s all grown on Camus Farm just outside Clon, a 30-acre organic farm comprising meadows, woodland, and barns dating back to 1850. Bring a big bag or a basket for your haul.

 

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MY GOODNESS

They’re not just for Jack ‘o’lanterns ya know. If you’re planning on eating your Halloween pumpkin, make sure it comes from the right place.

“We have travelled the earth looking for the perfect pumpkins to grace the porches, windows, and tables of the people of Cork.” say the My Goodness crew.

“We picked a patch to offer maximum spookiness but also delectability. All of our pumpkins at the English Market are local from Paddy Frankel, Kilbrack Organic Farm, Collum at Horizon Farm, and @joes_farm_crisps.

“Go and grab yourself the spiciest pumpkin you see, carve it up, put a candle in it, spook ’em out, roast it up, stuff it, bake it, put it in a pie, let’s ring in the Samhain season and Celtic New Year by having a bit of Cork’s local harvest on your porch and plate.”

Need any more enticing? Have a peep at these gorgeous gourds:

 

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