From
NY, LA and SF
Farmers Markets
Local
Treasures
By Kevin Schoeler
 After
the holiday season, when the party circuit has stalled,
farmers markets are cause to continue the celebration throughout
the year. They provide an essential direct link between
farmer and consumer. And when it comes to eating, what possibly
can be better than really knowing where your food is coming
from. The benefits are numerous: farmers can sell on a smaller
scale—outside of the mass distribution channels; produce
too delicate for packing and shipping can be sold; profit
margins are bigger; and commercial packing and grading standards
can be overlooked. Consumers get the best available produce,
and it is fairly priced. Just strolling through the marketplace
is good for the soul. It's nice to know that human contact
is alive and well.
Farmers
markets are happy, social places, bustling with shoppers
and chefs intent on acquiring lots of tiny organic roasting
potatoes, perhaps a bunch of apples with that just-so balance
of taste and texture, or a carton of persimmons so perfectly
ripe they quiver at the mere suggestion of human contact.
 This
is where you will find fresh and lively chanterelles that
cost less than the tired looking pile in your local supermarket.
It's the place to ask about those sweet white beets you've
heard the early birds bragging about (maybe the vendor will
set aside a bunch for you during their painfully short season).
During the summer, when peaches and plums and tomatoes and
corn abound, you wonder how it is possible that this year's
crops are even more delicious than last.
When
winter sets in and the vendors thin out, you dream about
those summer stalls and their tables groaning with color-yet
you are ever thankful for the heavy winter squashes you'll
drag home and roast tonight. For transplanted East Coasters,
California's seasonal blurriness is redefined at the farmers
market. The sun may always shine and most trees don't shed
their leaves, but you'll be able to name the season by the
produce you can or cannot buy this week.
Here
are three year-round standard-bearers for farmers markets.
If you don't have access to the ones listed, find one in
your area through www.ams.usda.gov/statesummaries,
the nationwide directory of The Agricultural Marketing Service
of the US Department of Agriculture.
Scroll down to the map, click on your state, locate your
closest market and plan your next shopping trip.
Manhattan
Union Square Greenmarket
East 17th & Broadway
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
8 a.m.-6 p.m.
 Here's
proof that Manhattanites really do cook at home. The Union
Square Greenmarket is the place for the finest East Coast
tomatoes, corn and peaches-and quinces, cabbages, flowers
and plums. It's the biggest farmers market in New York City,
bursting at the seams until the frost sets in. A few brave
souls carry on during the winter months, selling a more
limited assortment of produce including apples, pears and
greens. You'll also be able to find cheeses and fresh dairy
products, as well as homemade breads and pies.
Santa
Monica, CA
Santa Monica Certified
Farmers Market
Wednesday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Arizona Ave & 2nd St.
Saturday Downtown, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Arizona Ave & 3rd
St.
Saturday Pico, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Airport Ave & Donald Douglas
Loop (at the Santa Monica Airport)
Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Main St. & Ocean Park Blvd
www.farmersmarket.santa-monica.org
 Chat
up a celebrity chef and buy an armload of dandelion greens.
During tomato season the variety of heirlooms is overwhelming.
When you see the endless stacks of artichokes and asparagus,
and piles of avocados, there's no question you are in California.
Year-round there is so much to choose from, so many decisions
to make, maybe it's a good idea to ask the farmer what to
make for dinner. In addition to mountains of produce, including
ethnic specialties, you'll encounter all types of sprout,
avocado, dried fruit and nuts. Cheeses, breads, eggs, tamales...popcorn,
anyone? And don't forget to surprise someone with flowers.
San
Francisco, CA
San Francisco Ferry
Plaza Certified Farmers Market
Ferry Building, Embarcadero & Market Streets
Tuesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
www.ferryplazafarmersmarket.com
 With
a stunning bay front location and the lovingly restored
Ferry Building as a centerpiece, this market is the jewel
of Northern California. In addition to impeccable regional
fruits, vegetables, prepared foods and artisan products,
the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market offers programs including
"Meet the Producer" and "Shop with the Chef,"
where shoppers can brush up on cooking and learn what it's
really like to be a regional farmer. This market is a must-see
on any visitor's itinerary. 
Want to read more about farmers markets in Europe? Read
The
Markets of Paris. Also, you will find more resources
for serious foodies here.
(Updated: 06/23/09 KR) |
