I've been thinking about Maude's pumpkin scones since I got in the car. Now that we've arrived at the Saturday Mossman markets, I can hardly wait. Will they still be hot? She serves them wrapped in a gingham checked tea-towel, warm from the oven.

If you go to her friend's stall and buy cumquat jam, you can top the scones with this and have your own impromtu banquet.

Lesser known than the Port Douglas Sunday markets, the Mossman Saturday markets have a distinctive charm all of their own. They're about locally grown fruit, veg, plants, jams and condiments.

Some local crafts people exhibit their wares and there's the absolutely champion second hand hall where you can pick up books, wine glasses, antique clothing and all kinds of fascinating local bric-a-brac.

I have to tell - I picked up a second hand designer Witchery beaded top a few years ago and I am still wearing it.

But back to the food - this is the reason the locals come to the Mossman Markets and the reason you should too.

First and best of all are the seasonal fruits - green plantain bananas and tasty wee lady's finger bananas, honey-sweet passionfruit, melting mangosteens, fragrant limes Whatever is really in season you will find on the tables here.

Next are the preserves. Top of the list should be cumquat and rosella jam - absolute Tropical North Queensland classics.

Then there are mango chutneys, pawpaw jams, sweet mandarin marmalade - even Mediterranean-style preserved vegetables and fetta cheese in olive oil.

Make your way to the ladies at the back at the second hand hall. On the way in, there's a cake stall from heaven.

They've been baking and there's aromatic boiled fruit cakes, chocolate slices, lamingtons. It's a feast.

Mossman Saturday Markets are held every Saturday at Main St, Mossman from 7.30am. Entry is free.

For more information about markets and shopping in the Cairns region check out the Shopping section.

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