Monday, July 20, 2015

Union Square Greenmarket

We are now in Union Square, and the famous Greenmarket Farmers Market. Here is some history and information from their website:

Greenmarket was founded in 1976 with a two-fold mission: to promote regional agriculture by providing small family farms the opportunity to sell their locally grown products directly to consumers, and to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the freshest, most nutritious locally grown food the region has to offer.

What began over three decades ago with 12 farmers in a parking lot on 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan has now grown to become the largest and most diverse outdoor urban farmers market network in the country, now with more than 50 markets, over 230 family farms and fishermen participating, and over 30,000 acres of farmland protected from development.

This unique relationship between farmers and city residents has not only changed the face of regional agriculture; it has revitalized rural communities and urban spaces, improved consumer health, provided fresh and nutritious food to those most in need through our EBT/Food Stamp and Youthmarket programs, supported immigrant farmers, encouraged crop diversity, educated school children and city residents about the importance of regional agriculture, provided a wholesale opportunity for medium sized farms, inspired new culinary trends, and influenced chefs and eaters in one of the culinary capitals in the world.

I wish my local farmers markets were year round but they run from about July to November. I think it's so fabulous this market is open all year round, You can taste such a difference when you cook with fresh ingredients! 
These jams and jellies looked so good! 
I love granola, and always try to pick some up when I visit this market. 
That garlic cheddar was calling my name.......


Goat meat? Not sure if I would try that or not but I do like Goat Milk! 
My Mom and her Mom loved Apple Cider, I am not so much a fan but I prefer to bake or cook with it instead. 


I love a lattice pie, I don't think I could do that myself so always happy to purchase one! 
Fresh pasta is always the best pasta! 


My Aunts and Grandmothers cooked with lard, interesting here in a soap! I always love fresh eggs from a farmers market. They are cheaper than the grocery stores, and fresher too! 
It smelled amazing near this stand! 

My Mom was a HUGE reader in her day, and she loved Stephen King novels. I still have many of them sitting on the shelf. She talked about one in particular, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, where the character ate fiddlehead ferns. When I saw them at the market, I really felt she was with me and had to photograph for all of you. They looked interesting but I am not sure I would attempt them. My Mom on the other hand, had I purchased these and she was still here, would have very easily given them a try! She was eager to experiment with food! 

How gorgeous are these fresh veggies? 
I love love maple anything. I actually picked up some maple cream, which is so darn good on toast or in oatmeal. I have a bit left, it's hard to not use daily! 


This sign was adorable and I do love me some spinach! Raw is my preference, or I mix with escarole, beans, garlic and sausage for a yummy dinner! 
Fresh bread makes me smile! 
This crumb cake is to die for! They also have a stand on the Upper West Side, and I picked some up on a prior visit. Very little cake, lots of crumb makes for a very happy Rosemary! 
I am a big fan of polenta, and did pick up a bag at this vendor. You can tell such a difference when something is fresh and made well. 


I hope you enjoyed this little stop at the famous Union Square Greenmarket. If you can go during the week, it's much less crowded than on the weekends. You can follow them on their social media accounts HERE. If you have never visited, please add it to your "must see" list. You will not be disappointed in the least!


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