Stroud farmers' market news with Gerb Gerbrands.

CUSTOMERS may have noticed that there is currently one new weekly trader who has started at the market since the new year.

It’s not easy finding something unique and currently not available at the market but with the arrival of Tuga Pastries we have managed both at once.

Proprietor Jose came to England about four years ago and has been working at the Mini factory in Swindon whilst slowly but surely starting his business making the Pastel De Nata.

Jose’s parents were bakers and during his childhood it was his job to go around his hometown, from door to door, selling them.

Jose has been selling at our Swindon farmers’ market for about a year and has now taken delivery of the machinery he needs to increase his production and at the same time he has given up his job at Mini, which has allowed him to increase the number of markets and deliveries he can do.

The Pastel De Nata, or Portuguese egg tart, is a classic pastry, simple, yet unique.

They have a crisp frilly crust and are filled with an egg yolk custard and Jose’s magic has seen him win the Best Small Cake award at the 2017 Quality Food Awards.

Jose will be at the market every Saturday.

Elsewhere this Saturday, the Stroud cheese makers Godsell’s Church Farm cheeses and Jonathan Crump’s Gloucester cheeses, return as well as Windrush Valley Goat dairy, Bath Soft cheeses and our monthly knitters group, In A Spin.