THERE’S nothing better than buying food direct from the person who has produced it. Nothing.

The taste is unbelievable, the produce fresher and long-lasting, and the experience of meeting producers soul satisfying indeed.

My tastebuds took to dancing when the new Farmers and Foodies Market opened at the old bus depot building, Kingston (Fridays 3pm to 7pm). I’ve been three times and will return many more.

The “food stalls” are mostly outside and “produce stalls” inside. The music adds life and you can enjoy a glass of wine and something to eat as well as shop for the week.

It’s almost impossible to pick my favourite stalls, but here are some delish recommendations:

• Don’t go past Riverina Berkshire Gold, from Wagga. It’s easy to trace the origins of this food because Steven Anderson is the qualified pig stockman and his own butcher. His pigs live a great life. I can’t rave enough about his range of premium rissoles and handmade sausages, and am in love with the fig and beetroot and pork and fennel. His bacon is out of this world. Indeed, everything this hands-on producer produces is out of this world.
• Another must is Bush Goddess, a small-holder, locally focused farmer from the Riverina, which has been on “River Cottage” and “Landline”. Its desert dukkah is gorgeous. Use it when slow-roasting tomatoes or as a rub when roasting a leg of lamb. Penny Scott, a true foodie, is on hand to give tips.
• Kim De Poorter’s fine terrines and pates are amazing. He makes one of the best duck rillettes in the world – not exaggerating. Enjoy on the best bread you can buy.
• If you’re a fan of premium chutneys, relishes and jams, Black Horse Fine Foods is the go. Try its dark whisky marmalade. This small, family Canberra business makes each batch to exacting standards. No artificial colouring, flavouring or preservatives.
• The display of mushrooms by Gooda Creek Mushrooms (Murrumbateman) is a feast for the eyes and a regular sell out – Enoki, King Brown, Black Fungus and more.
• Pop by Mister Microgreens for micro herbs to add colour, flavour and goodness to your dishes, such as purple basil, lime basil and red dandelion chicory.
• On the sweet side, Crème n’ Sugar Patisserie has tarts, cakes, pastry slices and macaroons. Patisserie Valerie dishes up handmade chocolates and caramels.
• Need a bit of honey? Bees R Us from Braidwood has a great range, as well as all-natural hand products and lip balm.
• The Tilba Real Dairy stand sells milk and wonderful cheeses (including a great fetta) and its stall outside sells the most delicious-looking toasties ever.