Spring flavours to try at the Whangārei Growers Market
Published on 19 September 2025
Spring has officially sprung in Northland, and you can taste it every Saturday morning at the Whangārei Growers Market.
There's nothing quite like filling a bag with crisp greens, new season veg, and a little something extra to spice up the week ahead. It's fresh, it's flavourful, and it's a real feast for the senses.
Spring flavours to discover
Whangārei in spring is all about crunchy greens, fresh new vegetables, and flavours that wake you up after the slower, heartier meals of winter. At the Growers Market and in your local supermarket, you'll find:
- Courgettes and cucumbers
- Crisp mixed salad greens
- Kale, silverbeet and other leafy vegetables
- Garlic, potatoes and tomatoes
- Sweet locally grown bananas
- Tropical fruit like cherimoya and guava from Northland growers
More than just fresh produce
But the market isn't just about fruit and veg, it's about filling your basket with all the good stuff life in Northland has to offer! There's also:
- Artisan goods like honey, oils, and preserves made from local produce
- Fresh flowers and potted plants to start your spring garden
- Quality meats, eggs, fresh fish, and locally made cheeses
- Specialty goods, like tasty mushrooms and microgreens from passionate local growers
Plus, with a coffee cart on site and fresh baked goods just across the road, visiting the markets on a Saturday morning is many locals' favourite way to kick off their weekend.
Spring inspiration from Nye at Starlight Organics
For Nye Tatton from Starlight Organics, a regular vendor at the Whangārei Growers Market, spring is always a highlight, as the abundance of fresh produce means endless inspiration for delicious meals.
“I'm excited about the weather warming up and we have a range of produce emerging such as courgettes and cucumbers. More greens will also become available such as mixed salads, kale and silverbeet. I'm passionate about health and wellbeing and see nutritious foods and exercise as supporting that.”
Nye's favourite way to enjoy the season? Colourful, nutrient-dense salads. “Your gut (bacteria) apparently needs 30 different foods and so I believe it's your job to eat as many as possible to keep the microbes happy and healthy. Therefore, you're happy and healthy.”
Nye's go-to salad dressing is a simple, tasty mix of apple cider vinegar, garlic, sugar, olive oil, and a little salt, perfect for tossing through fresh greens. Add cheese, boiled eggs, nuts, seeds, and avocado for a salad that's a true te Tai Tokerau spring celebration.
A taste of the tropics right here in Whangārei
Spring also brings exciting flavours from Land of the Lotus, where bananas thrive in the warmer weather and tropical fruits are heavy on the branches.
“Bananas of course do far better in the warmer weather and get sweeter so I'm looking forward to that. Cherimoya are fat and bending the branches whilst the Tropical Guava are breaking them!” says owner Hugh Rose.
Hugh's favourite spring treat? One-ingredient cherimoya ice cream:
“Pop in the blender cherimoya (remove seeds first!) and blend for half a minute. Put the bowl in the freezer for half an hour. Take it out and blend for a minute to fluff up. Pop into a suitable container, put back in the freezer and there you have it, one-ingredient ice cream!”
Can't make the market?
If you can't make it to the Whangārei Growers Market, you can still enjoy the flavours of the season. Head out to Land of the Lotus to see the tropical fruit growing, let the kids explore the playground, and maybe feed the hungry birds.
Open Friday–Sunday or by appointment. Call Hugh on 027 439 1572.
Looking to sample some of Whangārei's spring flavours? Savour Northland, Northland’s signature food and beverage festival, is set to return with flavour, flair and unmistakable regional pride. Running from 1-31 October, it's the perfect time to get out there, try something new, and enjoy the taste of our district!