3 great organic food markets in Sydney

The bulk of Sydney’s residents may not be able to identify a beetroot leaf at ground level, but they’re pretty supportive of those that can.

For many, organic markets are becoming as familiar a weekend ritual as a lazy long black or two. Now, customers are just as likely to be food savvy professionals as urban hippies.

It wasn’t always the way. When co-founders of www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au, Stephen Choularton and his wife moved from London to Sydney in 1993, they started building an organic market scene from scratch. 

“I’d much rather eat a chicken that hasn’t been pumped full of chemicals,” Choularton says.

So our urban trek will fill our bodies with food, not pesticides. But be prepared to fork out a little extra for food with more love than laxatives.

Eveleigh Markets, Darlington

Farmers markets don’t get much more urban than the industrial overtones of bustling Eveleigh Markets. Located in a heritage-listed Blacksmith’s workshop opposite Carriageworks, it’s heavily supported by the Newtown and Erskineville crowd.

This relative newcomer to Sydney’s market scene boasts a range of Birkenstocks to wear amongst the local, organic and seasonal produce to eat.

While the pricing here sometimes hurts, you’re buying the best: fruit and veg stalls are interspersed with artisan suppliers like Moorlands Biodynamic Lamb, Country Valley Dairy, and a market-sized offshoot of Bird, Cow, Fish.

Saturdays (8 a.m.-1 p.m.); 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

Orange Grove markets, Lilyfield/Leichardt

With more than 100 stalls jammed onto a tar-sealed school playground, Orange Grove Markets have been a favorite of the inner-city crowd for 14 years.

Like most organic markets, certified organic isn’t mandatory here, but stalls are well marked so you can decide for yourself.

Come early so you don’t miss the steamed muffins (made on site) or the Sonoma Bread -- a perennial favorite.

But there’s still plenty on offer if you’re avoiding carbs. Talk to the sellers of organic seedlings about growing your own sprouts, or sprinkle your salad with edible flowers from Salads Direct.

Saturdays (8 a.m.-1 p.m.); Orange Grove Public School, Cnr Perry St. and Balmain Rd., Lilyfield

Frenchs Forest

When the northern beaches bikini crowds need fruit and veg, they head to Frenchs Forest. On a hot day, this Sunday morning venue gets lively early -- and most buyers hit the beach once they’re done.

Ageing hippies have supported Frenchs Forest market for 16 years. Both vegetarians and carnivores are spoiled for choice here.

It includes three oversized certified organic fruit and vege stalls, while Scottish stallholder David McDonald does a roaring trend in haggis and black pudding, selling out most weeks.

Sundays (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) The Parkway Hotel, 5 Frenchs Forest Road East, Frenchs Forest