The NYBG Greenmarket: A Surprise at Every Tent
Posted in Programs and Events on August 6 2013, by Jennifer Caplan
Jennifer Caplan is an intern for the NYBG Greenmarket this summer season. She is an environmental studies and international affairs double major at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She is interested in gardening and cooking the fruits and vegetables purchased at the NYBG Greenmarket and her local market.
The New York Botanical Garden Greenmarket is in full swing this summer! The weather has been incredibly hot until recently, but that hasn’t stopped the farmers and the patrons from coming to the market, showing how important local food and healthy living is to the Bronx community. Each week, vendors and farmers come together under white tents at the base of Tulip Tree Allée, each excited to share their fresh-picked produce and delicious baked goods with the local community.
Every week at the market is a surprise! For months people had been waiting for those ruby red tomatoes to come in. Then one day they finally arrived at the market in all different shades and sizes, and they stay in season until September. Last week Migliorelli Farm showed up with cantaloupe—something no one was expecting! It is obvious that Mother Nature is the one who decides what produce will be coming in each week. SPOILER ALERT: Fingerling potatoes should be coming in soon!
While you wait for your favorites to come in, you could experiment with new fruits and vegetables. I know from experience that it is the best way to get to know other foods. Before I started interning at the Greenmarket, I had only heard of sugarplums from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or The Nutcracker, but I had never actually seen them at a grocery store or other markets. But one day at the NYBG Greenmarket I saw that the Red Jacket Orchards tent had a pile of them. I bought one to try and loved it—now I think I may have found a new favorite fruit! And I would like to say that there is nothing wrong with grabbing some miniature pies from Meredith’s Bread and experimenting with some of the amazing combinations they come up with each week!
The Greenmarket is held every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. So come stop by the market and check out what our vendors are offering each week. And if you are planning on coming on a regular basis, make sure you pick up a season parking pass and a frequent shopping card to win prizes!
Gardening Demonstrations with Bronx Green-Up
August 7 — Do It Yourself Herbal Soapmaking Demonstration
Stop by the Bronx Green-Up table for information on community and school gardening. Learn about volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood! Pick up a schedule of free workshops taking place throughout the Bronx, or grab a few seasonal garden tip sheets. Community gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions.
Fresh-Made Salad Dressing
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (regular)
- 1 garlic clove
- freshly ground pepper
- 2 Tablespoons mix fresh herbs
Preparation:
Wash freshly harvested herbs. Crush garlic clove with the flat of a knife, or mince (crushing will release flavor slowly; mincing will mix garlic flavor into the entire dressing in sharp bites). In a jar with a lid, mix all ingredients by shaking. If not using straight away, prepare without garlic and herbs; add fresh when ready to eat!
