Organic addicts(2)

XD Club Organic Farmers' Market

Located in downtown Xuhui district, XD Club, a popular social group that organizes activities for members, launched its weekly farmers' market in August. But in comparison with most farmers' markets which provide locally grown vegetables, grains and produce, the XD Club Organic Farmers' Market also offers more nationally-known products and brands.

"I'm a gourmand who is always searching for delicious food, so to set up such a market offered me a good chance to enjoy such authentic delicacies," said Xian Feng, the manager of XD Club.

So far XD Club has introduced a number of "star" products from the Country Fair in Beijing, a farmers' market which was set up in 2010 and which has already a strong reputation in the capital. Those renowned products include Mr Rice Wine Green Yard Organic Milk, and Hona Organic Soy Sauce.

Rapeseed oil made from rapeseeds produced in the mountains of Hubei Province, and free-range eggs from non-battery, farmyard hens are also available at the market.

Many of the vendors provide examples of non-organic products to sample, so that customers can decide for themselves which tastes better.

At the XD Club Organic Farmers' Market, customers can also meet local farmers, among whom Wang Fei is typical. Wang sells not only the harvest of his own farm, but also those of his neighbors back in Cenbu village, Qingpu district. On his stall, customers can find beans, vegetables, yellow peaches, and even homemade pancakes.

"Wang is so nice! I bought some beans from him and he also gave me some free cake," said Zhang Yan, a frequenter to the market. Wang sells his vegetable for an average 12 yuan per kilogram.

Wang told the Global Times that he is now looking for customers to sublet plots of his farm on which he will grow vegetables or grains for them. Currently, Wang is already doing this for 12 households in the downtown area of Shanghai, and each week he takes a bus to Zhongshan Park to distribute this harvest to those families.

Add: Room 703, Haigao Building, 2600 Xietu Road

斜土路2600号海高大厦703室

Tel: 136-3651-0611

Opening hours: every Sunday, 2:30 pm to 5 pm