Union Square Greenmarket

Checking out a growers market in New York was a given and considering this one at Union Square runs over four weekdays, it was a little unavoidable. Well, unavoidable for this foodie anyway. On any ordinary day Union Square is part thoroughfare and part relaxation space, shaded by trees, over-run with very friendly squirrels and scattered with seating to take a load off.

Saturday seems to be the biggest day where most of the vendors set up temporary shop beneath canvas marquees showcasing the fresh-from-farm produce at very reasonable prices. Some of these guys even donate unsold fruit and veg to City Harvest where it’s prepared at soup kitchens for the less fortunate. A market with a heart.

The fruit and veg vendors sit with cheese, meat and condiment vendors. There are bakeries selling artisan breads and pastries, seafood merchants, florists, anything you’d expect at a market of this type. We couldn’t help but try a couple of cakes from one of the bakeries.

Not that it’s part of the Greenmarket, the stretch of Broadway between West 14th & West 10th Street is cut off to traffic to hold another market of sorts featuring Middle Eastern and Greek meat grills, cake stands, Mexican food and others selling lovely vinyl purses, keyrings and t-shirts. It may just be held on Saturdays before the cars and traffic reclaim the road.

You could easily spend a few hours around Union Square just meandering, grazing or sitting in the park playing chess. Love this city.

• Union Square Greenmarket
• Union Square Park
• Broadway at East 17th Street
• (212) 788 7476
• Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 8am-6pm
• website

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Caroll Gardens Greenmarket

This popular small market services the Brooklyn locals with regionally grown produce, organic meats, fresh flowers, baked goods and seafood.

Fresh fruit and vegetables from W. Rogowski Farm, Toigo Orchards, Lani’s Farm, Jersey Farm and Fishkill Farms. From Bread Alone there are artisan breads and pastries, Aunt Shirley’s Cupcakes and eggs from Tello’s Green Farm in Dutchess County.

DiPaola Turkeys supplies its organic birds, YellowBell Farm has chicken and eggs and Hudson Valley Duck Farm sells all things duck.

We were in love with the beautiful maitake mushrooms from Madura Farms. And so cheap!

• Caroll Gardens Greenmarket
• Caroll Street & Smith Street
• Brooklyn 11232
• 212 788 7476
• Sundays 8am-3pm (April-December)
• website

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Abingdon Square Greenmarket

West Village residents are spoiled for choice at this local market that wraps around Abingdon Square every Saturday. During the few weeks that we called Meatpacking District home, we found ourselves picking up fresh produce from many of the vendors and taking it “home”.

The Orchards of Concklin, Red Jacket Orchards, Muddy Farm, Jersey FarmCedar Hill/Kernan Farm and Bodhitree Farm all supply beautifully fresh fruits and vegetables.

There’s honey from Apple State Hill Top Family Farm, breads and pastries from Bread Alone and Meredith’s Bakery.

Consider Bardwell provide goat and cow’s milk cheeses and for sheep’s cheese you can stop by Valley Shepherd for some artisanal cheese. PE & DD Seafood have a small selection of wild-caught seafood from Suffolk County.

Fresh meats and products can also be found at several vendors.

• Abingdon Square Greenmarket
• Hudson Street & West 12th Street
• West Village 10014
• 212 788 7476
• Saturdays 8am-2pm
• website

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Grand Central Market

It may come with its high than normal prices, but Grand Central Market is more about convenience and grabbing something on the way to work or home. Greenwich produce has stands at either end of the market, tempting people with beautiful displays of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Ceriello Fine Foods has prime aged beef and just opposite is Eli Zabar’s Bread & Pastry, a convenient place to grab a fresh baguette or sweet pastry from Zaro’s Bakery. Pescatore Seafood Co. covers many types of seafood like lobster, oysters, clams and smoked fish. And it’s difficult to miss Spices and Tease with its colourfully aromatic display of gorgeous spices and blended teas.

• Grand Central Market
• Grand Central Terminal
• 89 E 42nd Street
• NY 10017
• Open 7 days
• website

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Rockefeller Center Greenmarket

This seasonal market can be found in the shadow of the Rockefeller Center. It may not be huge but it has everything you’d expect from any decent greenmarket about town.

Andrew’s Local honey straight from the rooftops, balconies and community gardens around town as well as pickles, jams and chutney’s from Beth’s Farm Kitchen.

Artisan Oven, Francesca’s Bakery, Martin’s Pretzels, Panzarella’s Bakery and Nordic Breads offer a dazzling array of baked goods. Anyone that loves their lavender can stock up at Lavender by the Bay, from Long Island.

Fresh fruit and vegetables from Goodale Farm, Migliorelli Farm, The Orchards of Concklin, Red Jacket Orchards. There are also dairy products, maple products, wine and cheeses fro a bunch of other producers.

• Rockefeller Center Greenmarket
• Rockefeller Place at 50th Street
• NY 10020
• website

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Tucker Square Greenmarket

This market flanks the south corner of Richard Tucker Square with a handful of vendors that service the neighbourhood with a variety of produce. Fresh fruit & veg from Stokes Farm, Gajeski Produce, Norwich Meadows, Prospect Hill Orchards, Locust Grove Farms and Three Brothers Farm. Breads, pastries and baked goods, seafood, fresh meats and cheeses. Duck, turkey, wine and fresh flowers. It’s all there.

• Tucker Square Greenmarket
• West 66th Street & Columbus Avenue
• Upper West Side 10023
• Thursdays & Saturdays 8am-5pm year round
• website