Image credit: Herbert Steed
I’m a big fan of farmer’s markets. Not only is the produce cheap and fresh, but you can develop a personal relationship with the people who grow and harvest your food, and learn a lot about how the plants are cultivated while picking up some great recipes and cooking tips. NYC is lucky to be blessed with dozens of great farmer’s markets, and it has become trendy in the city (especially in Brooklyn, where space allows it) to try your hand at small urban gardening. This organic frenzy can be a bit dizzying, so here’s my top five favorite farmer’s markets in the city:
1. Union Square Greenmarket – This farmer’s market happens Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 to 6pm and offers an incredible array of organic and artisanal produce from local growers, many of whom set up their stalls in the square themselves. The area is always a bit crowded, so it’s best to come early.
2. The Foodshed Market at the Commons – This market is across the bridge in Brooklyn at 388 Atlantic Ave near Bond Street, but it is worth the trip. This is a year round market that also offers locally made chocolates, breads, soups, and sauces. I go for the chocolate, which is indescribably good.
3. 82nd Street St Stephen’s Greenmarket – Located at the eastern edge of the Upper East Side at 82nd and 1st avenue, St Stephen’s has been a local’s favorite for years. Stephen’s is surprisingly inexpensive with a lot in a very small space. The only problem with this market is that it isn’t available often; the market is only open saturdays from 9am to 3pm from mid July to just before Thanksgiving.
4. 92nd Street Greenmarket – Just ten blocks north on the Upper East Side on first avenue is another farmer’s market that usually undercuts its southern neighbor on price, but not on quality. Like St Stephen’s, its availability is extremely limited: it’s only open from mid-June to mid-December on Sundays.
5. Lee’s Fruit Market – This is more of a supermarket than a farmer’s market, and the action takes place in its shop on 116th street and 3rd avenue. Lee’s is known for its freshness–the fruit and vegetables are often plucked off the vine the day they are sold! Lee’s is also a great place to get fresh spices.
