By Marlene Garzona
It’s great to be outside again, which means it won’t be long before the local farmers start opening their baskets with the reddest tomatoes and freshest fruits.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular and yet to be discovered local farmer markets scattered around New York City.
The Grocery Game, Inc
Park Slope Winter Farmer’s Market- Founded in 2004 managed by community markets – with multiple outdoor locations – this neighborhood market is always rife with variety. You can expect to find mustard greens, carrots, coffee beans, savory tarts, pear cider, fresh soups, chocolate and even poultry along with seafood options plus much more this weekend!
Two other winter locations, Mamaroneck and Ossining also exist in Westchester. All locations open starting in June. Open on Sundays (Park Slope– 4th street at 5th avenue, Brooklyn) 10:00am-4:00pm. More details at: www.communitymarkets.Biz
Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
After union square, this is the second-largest location under the greenmarket umbrella — and the largest in brooklyn founded in 1989. Located at the northwest entrance to prospect park this destination brings together a mix of shoppers from all around.
Singles, foodies, and families all come together to buy from a huge array of fresh farm products (including candles) and participate in the programming and cooking demonstrations that take place every saturday all year long. Open on Saturdays (Prospect Park West & Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn) 8am to 4pm. More details at: www.grownyc.Org/grandarmygreenmarket
Fulton Stall Market
You’ll need to wait to check out this south street seaport market, which opens in april, but it promises to be worth it. The market provides new yorkers living downtown with access to fresh foods, exceptional products, tasty snacks and handmade gifts. You can expect a wide range of cooking greens and even artisanal ice cream sandwiches this year. When open the market is held every saturday and sunday from 11 am to 4 pm with occasional live music performances and art exhibitions throughout the season.
Open on Saturdays and Sundays starting in April (Fulton market building – south street between Fulton and Beekman Streets, across from Pier 17) from 11am to 4pm. More details at: www.fultonstallmarket.com
Want to know why local fruits and vegetables get to New York City from the local farmers? Click here to read how to support local farmers.
Union Square Greenmarket
If you want to leave Brooklyn, the largest and most well known market is the Union Square Farmer’s Market which operates year-round. What began as a small gathering in 1976 now attracts more than 60,000 shoppers daily. Featuring a wide variety you can snag everything from broccoli rabe to water cress to even sweet maple syrup from over 140 regional vendors (farmers, fishermen, and bakers). Cooking demonstrations, food tastings, tours, and other events occur regularly as well.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (north & west sides of Union Square Park) from 8 am until 6 p.M. You can find out more information by clicking here: www.grownnyc.Org/unionsqauregreenmarket
Eagle Street Rooftop Farms
First planting it’s seeds in april 2009 this 6,000 square-foot green roof organic vegetable farm is located on a greenpoint warehouse roof in brooklyn. It is on the shoreline of the east river and has a sweeping view of the manhattan skyline. Usually supplying solely to restaurants, the farm opens it’s doors to the public on sundays during the growing season. A range of farm-based educational and volunteer programs are also hosted. Check their new classes on rooftop and urban farming which are sure to hold you over until the farm opens for the season again. Open on Sundays when in season (44 eagle street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn) between 1pm-4pm. More details at: www.rooftopfarms.org
