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From the article - It is easily accessible on a Saturday morning as the traffic on Pearse Street is not as bad as on a week day and there is ample disc parking. The ambiance is relaxed and you can enjoy yourself just browsing or chatting with the stall owners. Beibhinn Byrne, a journalist, a native born and bred in Dublin, a mother and a regular Saturday morning die-hard shopper at the Co-op was deeply saddened when she heard that the Co-op was moving on. Not someone to accept the inevitable, Beibhinn took on the challenge of replacing the old market with The Natural Food Market. She started by abolishing the paying-in system and the market is now open to everyone free of charge. Beibhinn, pictured above, is passionate about the quality of goods sold at the market and sources only from highly reputable suppliers. They also stock their own brand called Supernatural selling wholefood cereals, pulses and lentils which are pre-packed in biodegradable packaging. There is a vast range of herbal teas, tea blends and spices. I chose ‘moonphase’ which is a tea promising balance and harmony to the system and found it delicious. Other unique products include dried blueberries with no added sugar, quince rose jelly and apple concentrate. Spelt is one of the oldest cultivated grains, it’s not only known for its wholesome nutty flavour, but for its high protein and nutrition content. A wide variety of spelt products are on offer at the market, such as spelt haburmus porridge, a specially blended oat mix, spelt flour and pastas. Jens Krumpe of Terryglass Organic butchers provides premium quality organic lamb, beef and chickens but get there early if you want an organic chicken for Sunday lunch. Penny and Udo Langhe of Ballyroan Farm, Kiltegan West Wicklow supply organic fruit and vegetables and they also have a very interesting cheese stall. All cheeses are sourced from Oisin Farmhouse or Moss Field Organic Farm in Co Offaly. They can all be tasted before purchase. George Heise Baker, Slane, Co Meath is a master baker, originally from Germany, who has a wonderful range of breads all baked fresh at 6.00am. They have a specialty gur cake, an original Dublin delight as well as rye, focaccia, tomato, olive and paprika, walnut and raisin and gluten-free bread. I purchased a loaf of cinnamon and walnut, it’s so good it’s addictive! Soneil from India was serving lentil and vegetable soup on the Saturday I went and it was great, warm and wholesome and only costing €3. He also makes lattes and cappuccinos and will grind fresh coffee beans to suit your coffee maker. Also on offer are apple danish, pain au chocolate and pain au raisin all sourced from La Artisan bakery from Cavan. I spoke with Giovanni from La Botega de Enrico (Enrico’s Shop) and he had some Italian treats such as pestos, tomato sauces and a range of organic extra-virgin olive oils flavoured with truffle, porcini, chili and garlic. There is a variety of wines on offer in red and white. Products are sold for household cleaning which are eco-friendly and Lotsacleaning is selling concentrated cleaners in little bottles which you mix into your own spray bottle. Only a small amount of cleaning product is used and the rest is water. The Natural Food Market is a Saturday morning cure and all ranges of ‘nature’s nurtures’ await you there! The approach is holistic, it’s all about promoting good health and well-being and being environmentally aware. Everything you need is under one roof and the prices are competitive. It’s worth a try instead of the weekly hassle at the supermarket. There is a volunteer scheme for those who want to help set up and clear away and you receive 10% off all dried and wholefoods
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