Tel Aviv-Farmers Market

 I don’t know much about farms but have now met a few fascinating farmers in Tel Aviv! I am referring to the Farmers Market in the Tel Aviv Port (sorry girls not a new dating site…) It’s a colorful market, which although is not inexpensive has a wonderful selection of produce that is fresher than the supermarkets and spendidly diverse. Where else would I be able to buy flavorful new potatoes in earthy shades including black, oddly shaped carrots in various hues of orange, bright yellow plus a hybrid of purple and, cherry tomatoes in green, reds and golds bursting with sweetness. The herbs are garishly greener and highly scented, sold in loose bunches whilst slim asparagus  stand tall and regal in rubber bands. The mushrooms are like martians in multiple forms and so many types of lettuce I could become a rabbit! Fruits are in abundance ranging from the bog standard to the exotic, papaya , star fruits etc . Berries like dark red pebbles, some with names that I don’t recognize from any garden. Then there are the cheeses. Wheels of  homemade Pecorino, versions of Parmesan, creamy rolls of goats cheese, foil covered fine skinnned Bries and Camembert derivatives. Each can be sampled and is in fact encouraged by the friendly producers. Not to be outshone, picklers are also present. Jars of baby cucumbers, marinated olives and tiny mauve eggplants. Plates of tasting pieces are freely offered and opinions openly discussed with the vendors prior to your final purchase.

There is both an outdoor and indoor market. The indoor building Hangar 12, is a less traditional market and includes much more than the produce sold outside. It houses a wonderful butcher,  a fishmonger trading in seafood as well as fresh fish, an  outlet selling handmade pastas and fresh sauces, a bakery with savory inclusions, a wine shop and a kitchen accessory shop. Of course, if you get a sudden hunger urge there is always the deli bar, the corner restaurant with upstairs and ground floor seating, the herring sandwich place, the fresh iced juice stand or the quick brew coffee kiosk….

A word of advice. If you are visiting during the week and want to feel the buzz, dont arrive too early. Take a leisurely breakfast on the Port and build your strength up. It will then be easier to lift your over full carrier bags and empty purse….Sweet shopping!

♥Farmers Market (Shuk Ikarim)

Tel Aviv Port

Opening :Mon-Thurs 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.;

Fri 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Saturday: 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.