A Must-Visit Weekend Farmer’s Market
Every weekend, the AANI Outdoor Market in ARCA South in Taguig, where the former FTI Complex used to be, draws aspiring chefs and gardening enthusiasts alike. Run by the Agri-Aqua Network International (AANI), the AANI Outdoor Market brings small farmers and vendors into a sprawling space to showcase their goods.
This transforms part of the Ayala Land estate into a cornucopia brimming with organic fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, and free-range chickens and eggs sourced from the country’s different regions. Much like anything you will find in organic stores in Manila; the difference is all your organic needs are here.
The AANI outdoor market stands out among other weekend haunts with its exceptional and extensive selection. Exclusive farm-fresh finds at the AANI market include wild honey from Laguna and Palawan, potted herbs, flowering orchids, as well as organic vermicompost fertilizer. At the wet section, one can find mud crabs from Roxas City, tawilis from Taal, tuna from Mindanao, as well as Norwegian pink salmon.
For gardening enthusiasts, there is an entire section of the market devoted exclusively to flowers and ornamental plants, such as orchids, anthuriums, ground covers, and more.
How To Shop At An Organic Market In Manila
Organic food is increasingly popular nowadays. However, this can be confusing if you’re new to this.
Organic basically refers to the processes involved in growing and processing. For one, organic products are grown without using synthetic pesticides and other harmful chemicals. The same goes with organic livestock wherein they must not be fed with synthetic or chemical-based feed or any antibiotics and growth hormones.
Organic markets can get crowded during the weekends. Remember these few pointers.
1) Prioritize purchases.
Organic goods may still have pesticides residue in them. Invest your organic money on low-pesticide produce. Pesticide residues cannot be washed. While at it, always check the labels. If it says 100% organic, don’t believe it. There is no such thing as that.
2) Think local and seasonal.
Think of the environmental costs of the products you are buying as well. Choose those products that require less fuel and energy for transporting. Aside, produce is far less expensive when it’s in season.
3) Remember good nutrition.
Consider the nutritional package of bundled products as a whole, not separately. Consume the products immediately if you can as well. Since these are organic products, they cannot sit around the shelves for weeks.