Three greenmarkets worth visiting in NYC

[Flickr/anniebee]


New York has plenty of restaurants stocked with local, organic, family-farmed, and otherwise sustainable ingredients. But sometimes it's more fun to go straight to the source -- or at least the farmers who actually grew (or raised) what you're eating. Here are three greenmarkets worth a stop.


Union Square Greenmarket: Opened in 1976, this year-round attraction is by far the most well known greenmarket in the city. Come by early enough in the morning and you may bump into some of New York's top chefs as they pick out items for their restaurants. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays feature cooking demonstrations from the likes of Robin Puskas of "Kitchen Caravan," and on Fridays you'll be able to sample some fine wines. Union Square West from 15th to 17th Streets. Stay nearby at W New York -- Union Square.


77th Street Greenmarket:Open year-round on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., this fairly new greenmarketis a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Previously located in a schoolyard, the market is now held on a tree-lined street and stocked with produce from local growers like Tree-licious and Terhune orchards. The market also offers specialty Asian products. Columbus Avenue between 77th and 79th Streets. Stay nearby at Excelsior Hotel.


Tompkins Square Greenmarket: Also open year-round, on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., this East Village market offers occasional cooking demonstrations, family-friendly events, and of course plenty of items to devour. A couple of highlights include fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries from Fantasy Fruit Farm and organic milk, yogurt, butter, and ice cream from Ronnybrook Farm. Avenue A and East 7 Street. Stay nearby at the Cooper Square Hotel.


- Andrew Hickey, of The Brooklyn Nomad.