Farm fresh

Head to Cluster U in JLT for countryside treats

TOO OFTEN IN the city consumers can get swept up in the frenzy of everyday life, focusing on what’s cheap and convenient rather than healthy and nutritious. While not looking to create a green revolution, nor harangue readers for polluting their bodies and the environment by not eating locally-sourced, organic produce, I’ll simply say this – it tastes better.

Agreed, the various foodstuffs may be more expensive than those you’ll find at your supermarket, but if you can afford a few dirhams extra (apart from fresh milk, which is noticeably pricier) it really is worth it.

Every Friday, organic shop Blue Planet Green People in Cluster U, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, holds a farmer’s market just outside the store. A few trestle tables with some fruit and veg on them may not constitute a market in everybody’s opinion, but to ignore it would be a mistake. Admittedly not everything there is organic, but it is grown around Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which means what you’re getting is fresh and hasn’t travelled on a plane or by boat from every corner of the world.

Prices vary, but the herbs are very reasonable. 1kg of fresh basil, for example, is Dhs3. A half kilo of marrows go for Dhs10. The milk is on the slightly unaffordable side being Dhs35 for 1.5 litres.

So, if you fancy a change, freshen up this Friday in JLT.