Greenmarket Guide

Union Square

By Katheryn Papaanek

Say the words Union Square, and you probably think of protesters, artists hawking their wares, and NYU students gossiping on the grass. But did you know that Union Square is also the best place in the city to buy organic tomatoes? Since 1976, the Union Square Greenmarket has been a destination for foodies and farmers alike. Selling everything from melons to milk, this market boasts the city’s best selection of regionally grown produce, meat, and dairy.

Best of all, the Union Square Greenmarket is open year round, and farmers still offer an ample variety of items even during the coldest months. A recent visit to the market revealed that the winter months are brightened by the bountiful harvest of autumn. Turnips, potatoes, carrots and other root vegetables abound at the market at this time. Although not strictly in season, shoppers will often find green vegetables and fruit on sale as well. For those desiring instant gratification, several stalls sell hot apple cider and donuts to snack on as you shop. The market is also a great place to buy holiday gifts, with stands offering maple syrup, maple sugar candy, seasonal decorations, and dyed wool. With so much to choose from, it’s no wonder that the market is crowded with hearty shoppers willing to brave the winter chill.

But the customers aren’t the only ones who love the Union Square Greenmarket. Just ask Ron Binaghi Jr., owner of Stokes Farm, who has been selling at the market ever since it opened. “Union Square is special because there are all kinds of people, different cultures, religions, and colors,” says Binaghi. “There are older folks mingling with young parents and sharing recipes.” But it was not always that way. When Binaghi first started selling at age sixteen, he says that Union Square was a frightening place to work. Now, however, he describes it as “one of the nicest parks” and believes that the farmer’s market played a key role in the area’s transformation into the hotspot it is today.

If the market has helped to revive Union Square, Binaghi’s dedication has surely played just as important a role in turning the market into a New York City institution. Binaghi makes the market a top priority; he even sold on his wedding day! Binaghi credits the pleasure of connecting with his customers as a driving force behind his devotion to the market. “The treat for our customers is that they can converse with the person who actually grew and maybe picked the tomato that they will be eating later that day,” he says. “Some of these folks have known me for over thirty years and we have shared births, recipes, family milestones, and many good stories.”

In addition to eleven different varieties of tomatoes, Stokes Farm sells yellow peppers, eggplants, and Persian cukes. The farm is known for its extensive section of herbs, which include basil, rosemary, and sage. During the winter, workers weave rosemary and thyme to create handcrafted herbal wreaths to delight the holiday shoppers. In fact, these wreaths are so popular that this year Binaghi is adding jam, vinegar, and candles to his holiday packages. Visit the Stokes Farm’s stand on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday from April 1 to Christmas Eve to sample some of Binaghi’s wares. Ron will be there rain or shine, as he has “not missed a scheduled Saturday for thirty-one years.”

Though a newcomer compared to Stokes Farm, the Ronnybrook Farm Dairy has become another favorite for the customers visiting the Union Square Market. Offering milk and ice cream produced by grass-fed cows, the farm’s stand is a treat for those in search of healthy dairy products.

The farm’s whole milk is not homogenized, allowing it to retain more vitamins than homogenized products. “Everything is just natural and less processed,” says owner Ronald Osofsky, after whom the farm was named. In addition to their trademark Creamline milk, best selling products include their tangy, drinkable yogurt available in peach, strawberry, blackberry, and mango flavors. During the winter months, Osofsky reports that cheeses, heavy cream, and butter are the most popular products. “We can’t make enough butter during the holidays,” he says. The farm’s award winning eggnog, available from November through New Year’s, is another favorite for those looking for a seasonal pick-me-up.

Osofsky began selling at the Union Square Market in 1991, when rising costs led him to seek a way to differentiate his company from nearby farms. “I like the concept of the farmers’ market because it brings the consumer and farmer closer together,” says Osofsky. The farm’s returnable bottles of milk, which allow customers to cut down on waste by recycling the containers, quickly gained the farm loyal customers. In fact, those who enjoy visiting the market throughout the year have Osofsky to thank! By offering dairy products that are available during the winter months, the Ronnybrook Farm Diary played a key role in extending the market’s duration. As Osofsky says, “We were instrumental in making it year round.” To sample some of these special treats, visit Roonybrook’s stand on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year.

As farmers Binaghi and Osofky clearly show, purchasing products from the Union Square Greenmarket is not just beneficial to one’s health, but is also essential for the sustainability of small, regional farms. And with the market open year round, there’s no reason to bypass it in favor of the Whole Foods mega-store across the street. Not to mention, shopping at the Greenmarket is definitely healthier for one’s wallet. How can you go wrong when a bunch of carrots, fresh from the earth, only costs $1.50?

A Quick Guide to the Union Square Greenmarket

What are the hours and dates when the market is open?
The market is open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8AM to 6PM throughout the year.

How many farmers usually sell at the market?
The number of farmers varies depending on the season, time, and day of the week, with up to seventy stands during the height of the season. Check cenyc.org for more information.

What are some items that are usually available to buy?
Beans, onions, potatoes, and apples are on sale throughout the year.

What seasonal items or special foods are available during the winter?
Several stands offer hot apple cider, donuts, and eggnog. Turnips, pears, carrots, and winter squash are also good during this time of year.

What farmers are there year round?
Cato Corner Farm is there every Saturday. Likewise, Ronnybrook Farm Dairy sells every Wednesday and Saturday.

Is there anything special about this market?
Take the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, or W to get to Union Square. The market’s busiest day of the week is Saturday, so be prepared for weekend crowds.

images by J. Paulino Spaghetti