Getting Green in New York City

Even though New York City may look like an urban jungle, the city is also home to the largest open-air farmers market in the country. Thanks to about 50 Greenmarkets scattered throughout the five boroughs, health conscious New Yorkers can find fruit, vegetables, organic meat available from regional farmers from New York's Hudson Valley region and other vendors from New England and the Atlantic States. Those in need can purchase fresh food using food stamps, thus making these items available to all.

Since 1976, GrowNYC has been engaged in promoting regional agriculture, preserve farmland, and ensure a continuing supply of fresh, local produce for all New Yorkers. Those looking for additional information about GrowNYC's Greenmarket, recycling, gardening, and education programs log on to www.growNYC.org.

Some Greenmarkets are available year round though many are available seasonally. A full list of Greenmarkets complete with directions, days open and hours of operation can be found at http://www.cenyc.org/ourmarkets.

One of the more intriguing places to sample fresh organic food is the Greenmarket at the New York Botanical Garden. Open every Wednesday from from mid-June until Thanksgiving, shoppers can also witness cooking demonstrations using produce being sold at the Greenmarket. Among the chefs who will be demonstrating their culinary talents include Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, Rick Bayless, Daisy Martinez, Keith Snow, Peter Hoffman, Michael. Also, Bronx Green-up will the offering "Meet the Farmer" sessions that consist of question-and-answer sessions on gardening and composting techniques for those who wish to learn how to grow their own organic produce. In addition, an array of family friendly community activities makes this a perfect outing for parents looking what to do with their children on a hot summer's day.

Some of the vendors who will be showing their wares include Bread Alone (Boiceville, NY), Gajeski Produce (Riverhead, NY), The Little Bake Shop (Valley Cottage, NY), Migliorelli Farm (Tivoli, NY), Perez Farm (Goshen, NY, Red Jacket Orchard (Geneva, NY). Information about what's for sale at each week's Greenbelt can be found by calling 718.362.9561 and pressing 406#.

Admission is free on Wednesdays to the garden grounds, so anyone going to the Greenmarket can also explore the various gardens located throughout this piece of paradise located in the Bronx. In particular, The Edible Garden features four spectacular kitchen gardens that teaches visitors how to use these items to make their own healthy foods.

For additional information, visit nybg.org, call 718.817.8700, or skim the New York Botanical Garden's blog "Plant Talk" http://www.nybg.org/wordpress.