Who doesn't love a good farmers market?
These days, with grocers galore, we get organic products that are thoughtfully cared for and harvested before they make way to our tables. But is anyone else sensing a disconnect here?
One of the greatest experiences of going to a farmers' market is just getting to see all the locally-grown products that are out there and putting the faces to the names of things we adore.
It's like one big giant food show-and-tell, and that's what makes farmers markets so unique and awesome.
Luckily, there's love for the big city too when it comes to getting your veg on.
From artisanal products made exclusively from the good stuff to meats, cheeses, and seafoods to fresh fruits and vegetables, here are 7 farmers markets to check out to get you in tune with the best stuff out there.
1. Union Square Greenmarket (Union Square)
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Located right in the heart of Union Square Park, the Union Square Greenmarket boasts an extensive collection of vendors selling more than farm fresh fruits and veggies.
Stop by for homemade jams, freshly squeezed juices, real maple syrup and candies, and more. Open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the offerings are ever changing and ever multiplying.
My personal favorite? The King Ferry Winery from Upstate New York with a plethora of locally made wines. They will introduce you to the awesomeness that is apple wine.
Try it for yourself, you'll be floored.
2. McCarren Park Greenmarket (Driggs Avenue and North 12th Street - Brooklyn)
Open Saturdays year round, this premier farmers' market is your go-to source for the freshest of the fresh produce, meats, fish, and dairy products.
Vendors stretch from nearby Manhattan and Long Island's Suffolk County all the way up to the northern boundaries of Upstate New York and Vermont.
When you visit, you can grab wild caught seafood from Suffolk County's Pura Vida Fisheries, goat and cows' milk cheeses from Consider Bardwell in Vermont (the East Coast's capital of cheese), and assorted fruits and juices from Upstate New York's Red Jacket Orchards.
3. Down to Earth Farmers Market (110th Street and Manhattan Avenue)
Opening for the season on May 23rd until December 5th, Morningside Heights welcomes another farmers market season with the best the tristate area has to offer.
Morningside Park's Down to Earth Farmers Market will be selling lots of delectable baked goods and specialities like homemade chutneys and fresh pressed olive oils, amongst produce that's so fresh that you'll swear it was just picked that morning.
4. New Amsterdam Market (902 Peck Slip)
pistachenyc Come come come try our new pastries! The market is almost over! #newamsterdammarket #nam
When it was founded in 2005, the New Amsterdam Market's goal was to revitalize and preserve the legacy of the South Street Seaport community.
Eleven years later, this market is still turning out wins and offering up the best sustainable and local goods you can find in the city.
The market is broken up into four sections: produce, fruit, and legumes; milk, eggs, and dairy; bread and fermented foods; and wines and ciders of New York.
The New Amsterdam Market gives life to these products of the pioneers of good food, and your table will definitely be noticeably brighter, healthier, and happier after you make a trip here.
,5. Jackson Heights Greenmarket (34th Avenue at 78th Street - Queens)
Jackson Heights is known for its rich ethnic diversity and culture, and this recently expanded greenmarket brings nothing but good vibes and happy bustle to Travers Park every Sunday throughout the year.
In addition to fresh vendors, you can also find fun and exciting community activities and events here, like cooking demonstrations, live music, recipe exchanges. Talk about getting involved!
Keeping up with the roots of the community, the Jackson Heights Greenmarket also features a broad variety of Mexican produce from Nolasco Farms in Western New Jersey.
These herbs and produce bring the authentic flavors of Puebla, Mexico straight to the farm stands of New York City for a unique farmers market experience like no other.
6. Wholesale Greenmarket (290 Halleck Street - the Bronx)
bxgreenmarkets After last nights frost, we won't be seeing these summer veggies for much longer so stock up now! #eggplants #peppers #endsummer
This food is so fresh that you'll most definitely know where it came from.
This larger than life wholesale market in the Bronx's Hunts Point neighborhood knows variety, boasting over 100 vendors selling fresh fruits, herbs, produce, and more straight to NYC's buyers.
The Wholesale Greenmarket takes freshness seriously, with most of the produce traveling a short distance within twenty-four hours to the market. Prices are unbeatable, and the selection is on point, so what are you waiting for?!
7. Saint George Greenmarket (TBD - Staten Island)
We may not know too much about Staten Island since it is practically a world away and separated by ferry, but this seasonal farmers market is one reason to shlep out there, don't you think?
Open from May 2nd to December 26th yearly, you can grab breads that are so fresh that they're practically still warm and dairy, pickles, and baked goods from Lancaster County, PA.
Hopefully they've got pies, because there is nothing like a home baked pie from Pennsylvania's Amish country.
Other notable finds include fruits and vegetables that are home grown from a family farm located on Staten Island. It's all about reppin' the community, am I right?
If you enjoyed this article, check out 9 Tasty, New Vendors You Need to Check Out at Madison Square Eats This Summer!
[Featured Image Courtesy: Nolita Hearts]