It may be the driest state in the driest continent, but South Australia has few rivals when it comes to fresh produce.
Blue fin tuna, kingfish, Coffin Bay oysters, grass-fed lamb and beef, Berkshire pork and artisan cheeses from the Barossa, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide Hills are just some of South Australia's better-known exports.
Having grown up with such an abundance of locally harvested fruits, herbs, vegetables, nuts and olives locals are naturally fairly blasé about this state of affairs, but visitors are likely to be gobsmacked by the sheer variety and quality of what's on offer.
Unlike most capital cities in Australia, Adelaide is still geographically close to much of the food that finds its way onto the supermarket shelf, restaurant table or delicatessen counter.
Drive out to the Barossa and you'll see extensive market gardens and hot houses established by Italian, Greek, Maltese and other migrants.
The Adelaide Hills, once known as the fruit bowl of South Australia, still grows some of the country's sweetest apples, pears, strawberries and cherries; picking your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm, just outside Hahndorf, remains popular family outing for Adelaideans.
For the past 140 years the Central Market has supplied Adelaide with most of life's essentials, including fresh fruit and vegetables, local seafood, smoked meats, farmhouse cheeses, olive oil and a few indulgences such as continental cakes, dark German breads and freshly-ground Italian coffee.
Thanks to its central location and convenient opening hours (the market operates daily, apart from Sundays and Mondays), the Central Market is a great place to begin your South Australian food adventure. Guided walks and cooking classes are also available – or just drop in for a quick bite at one of the many cafes, noodle bars and other food outlets on the market floor.
Over the past five of so years, a number of small organic and night markets have sprung up across the city, while more established co-operatives such as the Adelaide Farmers' Market in Wayville have blossomed. Much of the produce on sale at this Sunday morning gathering has been harvested just hours beforehand. The market also hosts cooking demonstrations and many regulars arrive early to enjoy brunch or a hot coffee before joining the throng queuing at their favourite stalls.
The market is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. Most of the fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, seafood, organic meats are located in the outdoor part of the market. Specialist bread, artisan cheeses and baked goods can be found under cover. Both sections are worth exploring.
Market Shed on Holland, an inner-city market specialising in organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free produce, is another new arrival. The market, which operates on Sunday mornings, is a magnet for hipsters and alternative types. A great place for brunch and a bit of people watching.
Also worth checking out is the Adelaide Night Market, a gathering of food stands, street fashion, giftware and live entertainment, which takes place on North Terrace on an infrequent basis. The market is a great place to unwind and refuel after a busy day of sightseeing (or maybe watching the cricket) in Adelaide.
Slightly further afield is the Fisherman's Wharf Market in Port Adelaide. Held every Sunday and Monday, the covered market hosts a dizzying range of stalls selling giftware, clothing and collectables. It's also the perfect excuse to visit Adelaide's historic port, home to many museums, galleries, old school pubs and grand Victorian buildings; if you have time visit the pod of dolphins which live in the nearby Port River.
For something a little different venture out to the Gepps Cross Sunday Treasure Market, a weekly event which draws people from all over Adelaide. The market is a variation on the UK style car boot sale and features both new and second hand goods, plus a fantastic range of stalls selling farm fresh fruit and vegetables. Held in a drive-in cinema, this is a paradise for the bargain hunter.
Anyone venturing down to the Fleurieu Peninsula should make a slight detour to the Willunga Farmers Markets. Held every Saturday morning, compact market offers some of the finest produce in South Australia – everything from creamy cheeses, grass-fed meat and exotic foodstuffs such as venison, pheasant and quail. The market is especially known for its locally caught seafood and fantastic seasonal fruit and vegetables.
While the market is avidly supported by the local community it is also a must-see for anyone visiting the region. For those who don't need to stock up on essentials, there are plenty of scrumptious morsels to eat straightaway – from organic yoghurt to freshly baked croissants and barista quality coffee – just find a perch in the sunshine and chat to the locals. Warning: you'll need to arrive early to secure a much-coveted venison pie from the Bull Creek Bakery stall.
Q&A: Brian Parkes, CEO of the JamFactory (with branches in Adelaide and Barossa)
a) Your favourite restaurant?
"Adelaide is spoilt with restaurant riches but it's hard to go past Peel Street (named after the street it's on). I've been there for breakfast, lunch and dinner - though not on the same day - and the food is always exceptional."
b) Best pub or bar in Adelaide?
"There has been a fabulous explosion of new small bars in the last few years but one that opened a good decade earlier than most of them that still stacks up is the European-style wine bar Apothecary 1878 on Hindley Street."
c) My hidden secret in Adelaide?
"I always encourage interstate friends to go to the Museum of Economic Botany in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. It is a wonderful cabinet of curiosities that blurs botanical art and science from the 19th and 21st Centuries."
d) Best day trip from city?
"An hour's drive north to the Barossa Valley with morning tea at Maggie Beer's Farm Shop then to the iconic Seppeltsfield Winery to see artisans at work in the JamFactory studios, enjoy a long lunch at Fino restaurant followed by tasting of the famous 100 year old Para Tawny."
