A FARMERS’ market is starting up in Odiham later this month.

The High Street will be filled with stalls and local produce on May 21 from 10am–2pm. It promises to be a showcase for the best fresh and prepared food from around the county.

Alex Handford, business manager at Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, explained: “Odiham has been a location we’ve looked at going into for a while now.

“The north of Hampshire has a plethora of local producers, and we know people would love the opportunity to go along to meet them and buy their seasonal ingredients.”

Aside from the early spring salad, fruit and veg, the market will also boast more exotic fare. Most obscure of all is likely to be a ‘squiche’– a square quiche produced by Mud Foods, which will be selling a vast array of more conventional sausage rolls and pies as well.

One of the more intriguing samples on the day will come from The Cold Pressed Oil Company, which has launched a number of new products to complement its rapeseed oils. Apart from the familiar chilli and garlic flavours, they will be offering a more peculiar combination – raspberry and mustard.

Fish specialists at Catch Isle of Wight have been inundated with customers wanting to try their award-winning fishcakes. They will bring plenty of them along.

Visitors will also have a chance to win a giveaway they won’t want to miss, in the form of a Hampshire farmers’ market hamper. One lucky winner will take home delicious fresh produce, handpicked from the day’s stallholders.

And it’s not just great produce visitors can enjoy on the day. The village is also hosting an open gardens event from 1–5pm.

Francis Howard, chairman of InOdiham and organiser of the event, said: “It’s going to be a busy day. Everyone in the village is really looking forward to visiting the market and then perusing the hidden gardens of Odiham.

“There’s going to be lots to see and do and some competitions for everyone to get involved in.”

The organisers have pencilled in July 23 and October 22 for future markets.