by Julia Hofer

Organizations promoting clean eating like Grow NYC, Harvest Home and Down to Earth Markets, have made it easy this summer for New York to eat good. Be sure to visit these seasonal and year-round markets for the freshest produce and most delectable treats.

Union Square Greenmarket

Union Square

Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

The mightiest of all greenmarkets, the one in Union Square has become the square’s greatest attraction every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday all year round. With this market hosting 60-90 vendors, you can satisfy any craving you have over the array of meats, fish, baked goods, pastas, dairy products, fresh produce, ciders, syrups, sauces and much more to choose from. For the freshest vegetables, check out S & SO Produce Farms. For jam, honey and maple syrup to die for, check out Berkshire Berries. Visit the information tent for cooking demonstrations and further descriptions on what products are in season.

Greenpoint McCarren Park Greenmarket

Union Ave (Between Driggs & N 12th Street), Brooklyn

Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Enjoy a beautiful day during any season strolling through McCarren Park and end up at its Greenmarket for local fresh foods year-round. Whether it’s meats, seafood, breads, fruits, vegetables or milk, Greenpoint sets the bar high when it comes to quality. Its warm atmosphere makes this spot great for families and friends to spend their Saturdays listening to live music while participating in interactive activities. Cooking demonstrations are also held at this market. Feel free to take home recipes to ensure you’re making the most out of your purchases!

Rockefeller Center Greenmarket

Rockefeller Place, 50th Street, North Plaza

Open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

During a sunny day you will be pleased to stumble upon this picturesque market located North of the plaza. Underneath this strip of tents find New York wines, orchard fruits, organic vegetables, maple syrups, zesty hot sauces and artisan breads and cheeses. If you’re wanting organic produce look for Karachi Farms, or better yet, give into the summer heat and treat yourself to Valley Sheperd Creamery’s homemade gelato. In the midst of the chaotic city, this smaller market, open only on weekdays, makes shopping casual and relaxing. Make sure you scope it out before it closes August 28th!

Brooklyn Coney Island Market

Ocean Parkway (between Avenue Z & Shore Road), Brooklyn

Open Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Head down to Coney Island and practice your multitasking in socializing and shopping. A great spot for locals and visitors, shop this market’s fresh produce and baked goods while appreciating what its historic community has to offer. Harvest Home is an organization that fosters a healthier lifestyle for low-income families by providing the community access to local fresh produce. So learn more about nutrition and join them before November 25th to further the progress in making the world a healthier place!

Chelsea Farmers Market

West 9th Avenue and 23rd Street

Open Saturday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

For special products that are unlikely to be at any other market in the city, head to Chelsea Farmers Market. Gourmet granola, salsa and olive oil are some of the goods sold by vendors. Next, I’d like to call attention to those with a major sweet tooth, as this is the market for your next sugar fix. Find yourself stuck deciding between the various cakes, cupcakes, muffins, cookies, pies and pastries available to choose from. For one-of-a-kind ice cream visit Lizabeth’s Dessert Boutique. Discover the local breads of Meredith’s Country Bakery including croissants, baguettes, white breads, mixed grain breads, sour dough breads and whole grain breads. Aside from an exquisite selection of sweets and baked goods, this market also carries fine produce. Stop by August 22nd between 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. for their seasonal tasting event and try different tomatoes. This market closes December 19th.

Fulton Stall Farmers Market

Fulton and Water Streets, Seaport District

Open Sunday, 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Tucked away in the historical Seaport District, this indoor market for New York’s tastiest foods, invites you to their outdoor farmers market every Sunday. Products include jams, syrups and sauces from Beth’s Farm Kitchen, crisp ciders from Breezy Hill Orchard and Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider and natural poultry eggs from Knoll Crest Farm. The most unique feature making this quaint market a worthwhile visit is perhaps its bar, in which you can escape the outside heat and relax while sipping on a local craft beverage. Definitely a different styled farmers market worth checking out if you enjoy a charming atmosphere and quality treats!

For a full list of farmers markets through out New York City click here.

Eat Clean, Eat Fresh: NYC Farmers Markets You Can't Miss