Months ago I spent some time in Amsterdam covering the Global Reporting Initiative’s conference.  As fantastic as the conference turned out, I was encapsulated in a huge events center for a few days.  So when the weekend arrived, it felt great to be outside to explore the city.  The first market I visited was mostly filled with kitsch, but I raved about it just because I had been working inside for a few hectic days.  The day before I left Amsterdam, I spent a morning in a fantastic local market, which is not to be missed while visiting The Netherlands if you are in Amsterdam over a weekend.  Plus, the weekly market is near my favorite restaurant, Winkel, which has the best apple pie (pairs well with beer) anywhere.

The Noordermarkt occurs every Saturday, starting around 9:00 a.m.  For slow food and local food enthusiasts, Noordermarkt must not be missed.  Local cheeses, mushrooms foraged from the countryside, and gorgeous fruits and vegetables await you.

Dutch food is often overlooked (who can compete with the Mediterranean countries?), but the fresh ingredients at this market are integral to any Dutch creation and can give them a healthful kick.  Carrots in a prism of colors, offbeat tubers like kohlrabi, and plush stone fruit like peaches were ready for sampling.  Breads, crepes, fresh juices, and artisan sausages can make for an irresistible picnic basket.

The vendors arrive at dawn and are at this wonderful corner in the Joordan district each Saturday from 9:00 until around 4:00 p.m.  Definitely take a break from cooing at the houses along the canals and stop by for at least a snack.

About The Author

Leon Kaye

Leon Kaye is the founder and editor of GreenGoPost.com and its advisory division, GGP Media. Contact him to discuss how he can work with your organization or event. His focus is making the business case for sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). He writes for San Francisco-based Triple Pundit, Inhabitat and now The Guardian, for which he writes about corporate responsibility, water, and green building. He has also written for AIA's Architect Magazine. Leon works out of Fresno and Silicon Valley, California, and when he has free time, he enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, weightlifting, and planning his next trip to one of the 60 countries he has visited. He has an MBA from USC's Marshall School of Business and is also a proud graduate of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) and Cal State-Fresno.