All About the Local Farm Stalls
Mbombela, while worthy of being called a city, still reflects many old school, small town values and traditions, one of which is the farm stall. Mbombela is surrounded by farming communities of all kinds. When you next visit Mbombela, make sure that you visit one of these fresh produce places:
Joubert & Seuns Farm Stall
Way back in 1966 Francois Joubert bought the farm “Geluk” (luck) in the Schoemanskloof Valley and farmed a large variety of vegetables as well as maize although his main focus at the time was tomatoes. Francois Joubert had two sons, Kobus and Francois Jnr who were raised on the farm and both became farmers.
In 1990 the decision was made to turn the farm into a citrus farm and they jumped right into it and planted 1605 Midknight Valencia trees. In the Schoemanskloof Valley, the citrus trees flourished and those original trees along with many more are still producing fruit. En route from Gauteng rather travel on the Schoemanskloof Road and take a break from your driving by stopping at their Farm stall. Today they have more than just fruit and vegetables but have expanded to include pies, jams, koeksisters, dried fruit and nuts, and a variety of sauces. This top local stop now also has indigenous trees as well as fruit trees for sale. But they don’t stop there, you can also view and order custom made wooden furniture at this farm stall.
Hall’s Farm Stall
Another Lowveld firm favourite is the Hall’s Farm Stall. Just a stone’s throw from Mbombela, Hall’s Farm Stall has grown from just a small farm shop that would stock mostly fruits and vegetables to a destination now that includes a plant nursery and a coffee shop which allows you to sit inside the Fever Tree Nursery while enjoying your coffee or a delicious snack. Their stall now also has jams, sweets, relishes and a variety of souvenirs. Also for sale in their shop is a variety of exclusive locally produced wines.
Sunday’s at Hall’s Farm Stall plays host to a delightful flea market on the grounds opposite the stall. Here locals sell a variety of homemade goods as well as second-hand books. This stall is so close to Mbombela that if you are staying in Mbombela you can just pop out there for the morning or afternoon.
Nabana Market Stall
If you are travelling to Hazyview while in the Lowveld, stop along the way at the Nabana Market Stall. This stall guarantees that their produce is fresh as their fruit never spends time in cold storage. December to March is Mango season and Nabana offers plenty variety of delicious mangos. Closer to January, Litchis are in season. From March to August you can get creamy Avocados and the winter months belong to the citrus fruits. This shop sells fresh fruit in season so you will not find old produce here.
Nabana Market Stall also sells a variety of skincare products, avocado and macadamia oils while they also stock the delicious Sabie Valley Coffees. A large variety of pickles and preserves can be purchased at Nabana and their fruit rolls and nuts can be enjoyed as an on the road healthy snack.
