Check out my recent post over at Serious Eats, a rundown of what's appearing now in New York farmers' markets. I visited both my local market in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, as well as the largest, most popular market in New York in Union Square (above).
In addition to the ubiquitous ramps, I also spotted asparagus, nettles, rhubarb, young garlic, spinach, and other hardy greens like chard and collards. Plus, some farmers were showing off greenhouse tomatoes and hydroponic lettuces. And I picked up some green eggs, which ended up as huevos rancheros! Check out the post for lots more pictures.
In the coming weeks look for this recurring feature, where Nick will also be covering markets in the Midwest. Or, if you live on the west coast, stay tuned to Serious Eats or check out last week's jealousy-inducing report from San Francisco.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Did you pick up any mushrooms at the Farmer's market? If so, consider submitting your best mushroom recipe to the http://marxfood.com Mushroom Recipe contest for a chance to win 2 lbs. of fresh wild MOREL mushrooms.
Interesting…
Over the past year I've really gotten into making Kimchi (Korean pickled veggies..of various forms). I would like to try pickling ramps (even though evidentaly someone didnt like them so much). BUT to make this comment relavent to the blog I wanted to say that in the 5 years my wife and I have been in Chicago we are yet to really explore our farmers markets..this very much motivates me to make this year the year we start.
Cheers!
Brian
Nice postings(s), Blake. You should do more of these.
Ramps are delicious. I tried eating one raw the other day and it didn’t work out so well.
I think the topic is popular because they are one of the few spring produces in season right now and they can’t be cultivated year round.
Pickled ramps sound delicious to me as pickled garlic is one of my favorite treats.
Emily: I didn’t find any mushrooms! That would have been nice. I’ll look for them next time…I’ve heard they are, in fact, appearing at some markets in the city.
I think that you need to try ramps again, perhaps in a different context. Throw them on the a grill, gloss with olive oil, done. Serious Eats also recently feautured a Tom Colicchio pickled ramp recipe that might do you better.
Chewy: Thanks! We will be doing more. When they go up on Serious Eats, we’ll try to highlight them here also.
Brian: I’d love to hear your kimchi recipe. I’ve been collecting them, and aim to try a batch soon. Also check out the pickled ramp recipe I link to in this comment if you’re interested in trying them! So glad to hear you’re out to check out markets. Check back for coverage of Chicago’s markets at the season unfolds…
The farmer's market at Union Square has become such a hot spot in the last few years that it's almost impossible to do any shopping. I think NYC guidebooks have added it as a "must do" attraction. If you can stand the crowds, you can find some really good produce. It's tradition for me to bake pies in the fall with apples from Union Square.
Hey Blake, would happily share some kimchi recipes. I planned on tossing some up on my site later this week, will that work for you?
Also very much looking forward to reviews of the Chicago Farmers Market!
Cheers!
Brian
Ramps are the best thing about springtime!!