Onions on Orchard Street, Lemon Cucumbers, and The Plant's Kristen Reyes

NEWS & NOTES

Meg Hourihan reported on her blog Megnut that heavy rains have been devastating the crops of many northeastern farms. The President of the New York Farm Bureau just wrote a letter to the House of Representatives on June 29th, saying that “unless decisive action is taken at the federal level,” many farms are in jeopardy of going out of business. 

WHAT’S IN, WHAT’S OUT

Okra ($4.00/lb.), cantaloupe ($4.50/each), eggplant (regular and neon, which is sweeter and has less seeds, $1.25/lb.), peppers ($2.00/lb.), nectarines ($2.25/lb.), and beefsteak tomatoes ($2.50/lb.), all from Kernan Farms…plums (early golden and sugar varieties, $3.00/lb.) from Caradonna…white peaches ($3.00/lb.) from Oak Grove Plantation…lemon cucumbers (a kirby variety –“great cucumber flavor, a bit juicer”– $2.50/lb.) from Berried Treasures.

Mixed mushroom baskets are now available from Honey Hollow Farm for $5.00, which include their chanterelles and black trumpets (which can also be bought separately), as well as oysters, and several other types of mushrooms.

Purslane, featured in The New York Times last week, is available from Hydro Garden Farm ($3.00/bunch, $5.00/two bunches) if you go on a day Paffenroth Gardens is not around.

Strawberries are still hanging on. Berried Treasures has a few pints left of their Tristars for $4.00.

DEMONSTRATIONS

On Sunday, July 9th, at the Orchard Street Greenmarket, Julie Taras and Tasha Garcia, owners of Little Giant, were on hand. Julie sautéed spring onions with garlic oil and lemon salt and Tasha prompted her with questions about how she was preparing them. When she asked what they would go well with, Julie replied conclusively: “Scrambled eggs. Which,” she added, laughing, “you can get all day at Little Giant.”

On Wednesday, July 12th, at the Union Square Market, a representative of CENY Greenmarket made a raw dish of shaved zucchini, fava beans, and grated cheese. For the cheese, she recommended one from Sprout Creek Farm called Barat, but said that any dry, salty cheese would do, especially Pecorino. “That’s what the Italians use,” she said. “It’s true,” a woman with a thick Italian accent chimed in, then proceeded to tell us how Romans celebrate “Fave Pecorino Day” on the day after Easter. She tasted a sample and affirmed that this version of the combination was quite good.      

SHOPPER PROFILE

Name: Kristen Reyes

Occupation: Head Chef at The Plant (25 Jay Street, Brooklyn, 718.722.7541).

When: Wednesday, July 5th

Where: Honey Hallow Farm at the Union Square Greenmarket

What: All the remaining black trumpet mushrooms 

Why: For a “Black and White” dinner at The Plant on Friday, July 7th. The Plant, a raw food kitchen in DUMBO started by Matthew Kenney, hosts bi-monthly raw food dinners. Call 718.722.7541 for reservations.

FOCUS ON: Orchard Street Market

This past Sunday, July 9th, marked the opening of a new Greenmarket on Orchard Street between Delancey and Broome. Lower East Side Business Improvement District workers littered the street, handing out information and promotions; the ubiquitous “Are you a registered Democrat?” petitioners were present; a live band played at the end of the block; and local chef Julie Taras performed a demonstration (see DEMONSTRATIONS above). The market is significantly smaller than its Union Square relative, consisting of only one city block, but the two markets have several vendors in common, like Breezy Hill Orchard, Sprout Creek Farm, and Tickle Hill Winery. The produce seems to be good quality, but the selection is small: lots of onions, radishes, zucchini, squash, and cherries. Wine, cheese, meat, and baked goods are also available. 

FARMER INFORMATION

• Berried Treasures, Cooks Falls, NY. At the Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Breezy Hill Orchard, Staatsburg, NY. At the Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays and Saturdays and the Orchard Street Market on Sundays (845.266.3979).
• Caradonna, at the Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Honey Hallow Farm, Schoharie River Valley area. At Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Hydro Garden Farm, Yaphank, NY. At the Union Square Greenmarket Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (631.286.3423).
• Kernan Farms, Bridgeton, NJ. At Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays.
• Oak Grove Plantation, at the Union Square Greenmarket Fridays and Saturdays.
• Paffenroth Gardens, Warwick, NY. At Union Square Greenmarket Wednesdays and Saturdays (845.258.4746).
• Sprout Creek Farm, Poughkeepsie, NY. At the Union Square Greenmarket Mondays and Fridays and the Orchard Street Market on Sundays (845.485.9885)
• Tickle Hill Winery, Hector, NY. At the Union Square Greenmarket Fridays and the Orchard Street Greenmarket on Sundays (607.546.7740).