From the land into the hand

FAMILIES from across the kingdom streamed on to a patch of land off Budaiya Highway at the weekend to support Bahrain's very first 'Farmer's Market'.

The aim is to offer fresh goods full of flavour and packed with nutritional value at the same time as making an environmentally-friendly decision to buy locally and cut back on buying similar items full of preservatives and shipped from all over the world.

Organised by campaigning restaurateur and mother-of-three, Muneera Obaidli, shoppers wanting to buy straight from the land were undeterred by the heat and the bright spring sunshine.

"The point was not to make a profit," said organiser Muneera, 27, from Janabiya. "It was about caring for the environment while promoting the pleasures of eating fresh, seasonal vegetables and encouraging local farmers who could cut out the middle man and take their entire sales money home.

"In our supermarkets we receive goods from all over the world that could have been picked two-weeks ago, sprayed with preservatives and finally end up on our plates with no flavour. If we make a habit of eating local vegetables and fruits we can all save the environment while supporting these very needy people.

"As a restaurant owner I am very fussy about my ingredients and am a great supporter of local produce. Foods of every season have a special taste. It is suited to the climate of that time - the finest and freshest foods of the land - with all the goodness of the earth - balances your body and gets it in tune with the weather.

"There is also a factor of anticipation regarding what vegetables or fruits will be available in the next season. It all adds to the taste!"

Twenty-five stalls sold fresh produce from six of the island's farms, home-made pickles, spices, traditional Bahraini masalas and bakery items, plants, freshly made-snacks, hand-crafted goods, eggs and savouries cooked at the Khalifa kitchens. The children got their faces painted while everyone enjoyed a plate of traditional barbequed lunch.

The Saturday market drew very encouraging remarks from locals and expats alike. New Zealander Kathy Topp, 50, who was visiting from Kuwait, said: "This is the first time I have ever been to a 'Farmer's Market' in the Middle East. It's part of our life back home. I have been living in this region for several years and it's wonderful to take part in one again."

The family day was held in a land belonging to a friend of Muneera's family. She said that she was working on various options for setting up a regular market in a more permanent location that could offer more shade and refrigeration.

Speaking of her plans, Muneera said: "We have not finalised any agreement yet. It will be especially difficult in summer when the produce will not last long and the heat can make it very uncomfortable. I want to at least put together some shacks that are covered on the top and open all around."