Zagreb Organic Markets - The Greener, the Better

Almost every district in the city has its own market, open every day in the week. But then again, a new kind of demand created a new kind of supply. Like in the rest of the Western world, in the last few years the trend is to go green, organic, sustainable and local when buying your food. Along with the official city markets, a small but ambitious movement of off-markets was born and it’s gaining popularity. Why off? Because they are all result of private initiative, positive enegry and passion. They are unique, quite informal, flexible, not aimed at profit or mass consumption, uncompromising, sticking to organic production and high ethical standards. Let’s introduce two of the best-known and most active organic markets in Zagreb.

 “Meet your farmer at Mali plac na tavanu.” Image credit: Mali plac na tavanu

Some community-supported agriculture groups and urban gardens already existed at the time, but the turning point was when Mali plac na tavanu (“Small market on the loft”) opened its door. With the slogan “food from the source”, two food enthusiasts became pioneers and ambassadors of this new movement. As the name suggests, it started on a private loft in the centre of Zagreb, where an independent organic market took place every Saturday. The vendors included small family farms and craft producers with original and high-quality goods. They are never the same, the idea is to alternate and give everybody a chance. So, in the same place you could find organic fruits and vegetables, dairy, wine, jams, honey, pasta, herbs, bread, sweets, cosmetics and much, much more, all according to seasonal changes. But also, talk to the producers themselves, learn about production, have some homemade snacks and a drink with your friends. Soon the word got out and the bunch from the loft turned buying food into a cool and hip experience, almost like an alternative to going out. At the same time, the market served as platform for small-scale farmers to introduce and promote their produce, giving them opportunity they would hardly get on their own. Nowadays, Mali plac has already outgrown its original loft, and uses several other locations, both indoor and outdoor, to host the market and events connected with it.

“Going to the market can be as cool as going out.” Image credit: Mali plac na tavanu

In the neighbourhood of Vrbani, in the western part of Zagreb, a small association called Vestigium is very active. They organize all sorts of events and workshops, focused on the healthy and sustainable living theme, but locally they are best known for the organic market held twice a week. Smaller, simpler and maybe a bit more family-oriented than Mali plac, Vestigium’s market is an excellent source of the best seasonal, organic produce coming from family farms in Zagreb’s vicinity. And for supporters of the association, there’s a project called the Green Basket - you subscribe to a weekly package of fruits and vegetables chosen by the farmer. A win-win situation!

“A busy morning at Vestigium in Vrbani.” Image credit: Udruga Vestigium

Riding on the success of this green trend, numerous small neighbourhood shops focused manily on fresh organic foods have opened up recently, like Grga Čvarak, Povrće i voće i svemoguće, Greencajg, or Nostalgija. Occasionally, there are food festivals dedicated to local and organic, green market corners in shopping malls, and even the city authorities joined in by putting fruit stands for family farms from Zagreb surroundings all over the city centre, starting with the strawberries in late spring and ending with apples, pears and plums in late autumn. Therefore, you really have no more excuses not to eat the best and freshest possible local produce all year round.

“Grga Čvarak, one of Zagreb’s leading organic grocery stores.” Image credit: Taste of Croatia

“Basket of autumn goodies at Vestigium green market.” Header image credit: Udruga Vestigium

Author: Taste of Croatia