Apple Season Arrives - September at West Malling Farmers Market

September is the month when the farming year starts to feel truly generous. The apple harvest is underway, the first pears and plums are ripening, and the hedgerows are heavy with fruit. It's also the beginning of the mushroom season, and the point at which the market stalls start to take on a slightly different palette - deeper colours, earthier smells, a sense of the year turning.

West Malling Farmers Market has been running since 2000, and September is one of our favourite months to be there. The market takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month (not the last Sunday) between 9.30am and 1.30pm, in West Malling High Street, ME19 6NA. It's a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning as the summer begins to ease into autumn.

September at West Malling brings an exceptional range of produce. You'll find apples - eating, cooking and juicing varieties - alongside fresh seasonal vegetables, locally produced cider and juice, fresh and smoked fish including scallops and skate wings, locally produced wine, freshly roasted coffee, artisan bread, handmade chocolates, game and pates, chilli sauces, olives, cheese, Indian street food, flowers and much more. It's also a particularly good month to visit our jams and preserves stall - September is when we're most likely to have limited batch damson, quince jelly, apple and ginger chutney, and apple and cranberry chutney, all made with fruit that's at its seasonal best.

Most stallholders accept contactless card payments, and the market runs whatever the weather. September mornings at West Malling are something to savour.

When does West Malling Farmers Market take place in September? The market runs on the fourth Sunday of the month (not the last Sunday), between 9.30am and 1.30pm, in West Malling High Street, ME19 6NA.

What produce is in season at West Malling in September? September is apple and pear season, with cider, juices and fruit preserves alongside the full range of seasonal vegetables, fresh fish, game, artisan food and drink from local producers.

Can I find locally produced cider and juice at West Malling? Yes - local cider and fresh juice producers are regular stallholders, and September is a particularly good month for locally pressed apple juice and cider.

Do I need cash for West Malling Farmers Market? Most stallholders accept contactless card payments, though it's always worth having a small amount of cash as a backup.

Find out more and check upcoming dates at www.myfarmersmarket.co.uk/west-malling/