Celebrate St David's Day at Cardiff Farmers Markets
Traditionally known as the ‘feast day of Saint David’, March 1st has been a day of celebration in Wales since the 12th century and as well as St David and his achievements, it's a day to honour Wales and Welsh culture as a whole.
Traditional festivities include wearing daffodils and leeks (both recognised symbols of Wales and Saint David), the singing of traditional Welsh songs, and women and children wearing traditional Welsh dress. But for many, the highlight of the day is eating lots of traditional Welsh food - including lamb cawl, Welsh rarebit, and of course, a Welsh cake or two from our regular traders Pettigrew Bakeries and Miles Better Baking!
However - if you’re thinking of putting in a bit of extra effort in the name of St David and making any of the above from scratch, our regular market traders can certainly help…
You could pick up the freshest local eggs that money can buy from Onllwyn Eggs at Rhiwbina Market - and with 1st March falling on a Friday this year, you could even pop along to the market on the day to stock up. Onllwyn are Located in the South Wales valleys, on the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, and their farm traces right back to the 13th century when it was run by the Monks of Neath Abbey Monestry.
Alternatively, you can visit Penrhiw Farm who sell eggs and fresh raw milk, and Trecastle Eggs, who sell free range hen eggs, organic hen and duck eggs, and Welsh salted block butter - all perfect for whipping up a batch of traditional Welsh cakes (try this BBC Good Food recipe).
Thinking of giving a traditional lamb cawl a go? Try this recipe from Visit Wales, and visit Carn Edward Meats, Wild & Rare or Mill Farm & Kitchen for your Welsh lamb or mutton, and Paul’s Organic Veg and Blas Gwent Veg for the traditional Welsh leeks (and other seasonal veggies).
And if it’s a nice slice of Welsh Rarebit you’re craving? Head to Ty Caws for the best of British cheese - then pick up some homemade chutneys, jams and preserves from our Roath Market via Inner City Pickle or Little Mill Natural Products.
Ps. If you can’t wait until St David’s Day to get your cook on, local blogger The Rare Welshbit has shared a recipe for traditional Welsh pancakes (a.k.a crempogau) which you could try out first, see below!