Peaches: Get 'em While It's Hot
"Do I dare to eat a peach?" wondered T.S. Eliots J. Alfred Prufrock. Yes! Stone fruits (peaches, nectarines, and plums) are in season at the Greenmarket waiting to grace your summer table. More than just velvety skin and sweet flesh, peaches pack a punch nutritionally, with plenty of vitamin A (good night vision is essential in the "city that never sleeps.") and potassium (for a healthy heart and bones).
Grab a few pounds for a fresh tart. Grill them and top with crumbled blue cheese. Blend a batch of bellinis. Simmer peach preserves to savor the flavors of summer year round. Sharpen your chef's knife and chop a quick, fresh salsa to serve with your favorite fish, chicken, or a just bowl of tortilla chips. Or simply wash, eat, and enjoy!
Recipe: Summer Peach Salsa
3 ripe-but-firm peaches or nectarines (or a combination), cut into a large dice
3 large tomatoes, diced
1 red onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, minced
Chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, parsley, or mint, to taste
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Combine in a non-reactive bowl and allow flavors to marry briefly.
Greenspeak Word of the Week: 'Transitional'
Farmers need to practice organic methods for three years on a given piece of land before the harvest grown there can be certified organic. "Transitional" means that the farmland is in the midst of that period toward organic certification, and is already using organic methods.
Insider's Guide to the Greenmarket:
"Bring a cooler or an ice pack. Many farmers offer great eggs, meat, fish, and dairy. If you're ready to keep them cold, you won't have to run straight home -- which is great because the Greenmarket is a social scene and a great place to linger."
Featured Farmers: Ron and Gary Samascott of Samascott Orchards
Ron and Gary have been part of the Greenmarket since 1984. Right now, they've got sweet blueberries, succulent strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and much, much more, fresh from their family farm in Kinderhook, New York. Stop by any of the Samascott stalls to get 'em while the getting is good.
Click here to learn more about our farmers.
Go Green: Get Your Groceries at Your Local Greenmarket!
Theres no better way to go green than at the Greenmarket. Every product is delivered fresh from a local family farm not distant continents. Visit any of our 44 markets to enjoy the delicious bounty of local harvest. Its the feel-good event of the season every season.
Click here to find a Greenmarket near you.
Farm Aid 2007: A HOMEGROWN Festival
Join us in welcoming Farm Aid to New York City on September 9th at Randall's Island! Come celebrate family farmers, good food and music with Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Mathews and Tim Reynolds, The Allman Brothers Band, and many more.
The day before the concert (Sept 8), Farm Aid, NYC Parks Department and CENYC are hosting a "Homegrown Fair" at Union Square South from 10am to 4pm. Join us for this fun and festive event featuring live music, food demos, a corn roast, cider press, and much, much more. All at the doorstep of the Union Square Greenmarket.
Click here for details and tickets!
Harvest in the Square
Help make New Yorks best tasting neighborhood even better. Attend the 12th annual "Harvest in the Square," Manhattans premier food and wine tasting event. More than 50 of Union Squares top-rated restaurants will be offering signature dishes prepared with the Greenmarkets farm-fresh produce. Proceeds from the event fund Union Square Partnerships improvement projects.
Click here for event and ticket information.
Get Involved: Become a Greenmarket Tour Guide!
Go back to school this fall by joining the Greenmarket Guides Program. If youre passionate about food, eating locally, and inspiring children, become a volunteer tour guide. Youll receive training to lead one-hour tours at Greenmarkets for schools (including the AIWF Days of Taste program), tourists, and locals. Help participants discover the abundance of delicious and nutritious delights as they see, touch, smell, and taste locally grown foods.
Raise Your Voice: 2007 Farm Bill
Do your part to support sustainable food systems, family farmers, and farmers markets. Call your congressional representatives today and let them know you want a Farm Bill that supports building strong, sustainable, local, and regional food systems.
Say no to agri-business interests -- and yes to eating locally with just one phone call!
Click here to find your Congressional contacts.
Click here to find your Senatorial contacts.
Click here to learn more about the 2007 Farm Bill.