Norf’k Island Life – Farmer’s Market

As the months fly by, I continue to tidy posts on my new website when I can. Mainly re-sizing photos and the occasional typo, it’s a wonderful trip down memory lane, particularly of holidays I’ve shared with Anthony. Whilst wandering down that laneway, I noticed that quite a few of the side paths led to markets I have visited. Some planned around, some unexpected, some big, some tiny, all different. Being a keen curator, I have created a new page on the blog called ‘TIFFIN Goes To Market‘, which brings together all of my market posts from far and wide. You can see the new page in the tabs at the top of the front page. To launch the new page, I have written a new market post.

I’ve written in the past about Norfolk Island’s need to be as self-sufficient as possible. NI bobs away in the balmy waters of the South Pacific with trade winds ruffling its palm trees, 1000km away from its closest neighbour, New Caledonia. Everything the island needs is shipped from New Zealand and it costs a bomb. Most locals therefore grow at least some fruit and veges to keep costs down. There are also few business on the NI that grow larger quantities to be sold in the local supermarket or at the weekly farmer’s market.

Located right beside the NI Tourist Bureau, the market consists of less than half a dozen stall holders. It’s well attended by the community and is as much an opportunity for a quick catch up on what’s happening on the island as it is to stock the fruit bowl. Whilst I stood in the queue listening to the gossip, I spied a local NI dish for sale. Phili Plun. Made of banana (plun) and flour, it is baked and served as is or as a side dish. It is a savoury rather than sweet dish and has it roots firmly planted in Polynesia, coming to NI via Pitcairn Island and the descendants of The Bounty.

The unbiquitous choko…

Chances are that much of this produce wouldn’t even make it to farmer’s markets, let alone supermarkets on mainland Australia. With no other options though, islanders overlook the lumps and bumps so they can make the most of what’s on offer.  Trade Winds Country Kitchen has a small stall offering freshly made pate and smoked chicken and Norfolk Blue are there selling steaks and some specialities made from the beef of the same name. A local farmer sells the most delicious smoked bacon and pork products. We had already enjoyed some of his bacon when I had spied it at the supermarket so I plumped for a pair of ham steaks for a late breakfast. Resisting the temptation to pair it with pineapple (luckily, not in season) I opted instead for a couple of tomatoes to grill in the pan.

The gnarliest carrots I’ve ever seen…

The farmer’s market is open every Saturday morning, rain or shine from around 8 – 11am unless sold out. It’s a 30 minute visit at most so head on over and grab some fixings for a farmer’s breakfast back at your apartment.  There is also a small island market in the same location on Sundays selling a range of handmade souvenirs, baked goods and the biggest selection of second-hand Mutiny on the Bounty books I have ever seen.

Norfolk Island Farmer’s Market
Bounty Square (beside the Tourist Bureau)
Burnt Pine  NI