While walking through campus this past hot, muggy Wednesday, I was excited for the New York Botanical Garden’s farmers market. I had been searching up “farmers markets near me” only a few days before signing up to write about this, wanting to find a good place to get a bouquet of fresh flowers each week for my apartment. Though I did not wind up purchasing any flowers, they were still very much available with a plethora of options for anyone interested. I was very surprised and impressed.
As I walked into the market at the far end of the garden, I was immediately greeted by a large fruit and vegetable stand. While I did not need any, I was entranced by the fruits’ bright colors and clear freshness. There’s something about farmers market fruit that feels much more real and tangible than fruit you would find at a supermarket; maybe a bit more soul and heart in it from the local farmers. Or perhaps it just feels more direct since you are able to see the people who work for the specific farm your produce was grown in as you buy it, as opposed to at the supermarket where you do not know where the fruit came from. Either way, I will definitely be back to buy fruit from them in the near future.
Just to the left of this fruit stand stood a honey display, with the company entitled “Boogie Down Bronx Honey.” Unfortunately, I had already bought a large jar of honey from Whole Foods, but was very intrigued by both the bright packaging and the Bronx values that were clearly ingrained in the company. If you want a sustainable local business to support, there’s none better than that one.
If you’re going to the farmers market, it is a necessity to get food. There was an abundance of homegrown, natural options, whether you’re looking for savory meals or baked goods, or a Bronx-based juice bar I wish I was thirsty enough to try. I was particularly surprised at the amount of gluten-free options there were. Gluten-free packaged meals were available at a stand with options for all dietary needs, as well as a stand for 3×3 Kitchen, which is a completely gluten-free bakery with a permanent location in Riverdale. I, of course, had to get a pizza babka from them. If you have celiac disease like I do or eat gluten-free for any reason, the NYBG farmers’ market is the place for you. I’ve found my farmers markets back home in Illinois are inclusive to dietary needs, but I wasn’t sure if this mindset would translate to a smaller market like this one; I was very happy it did. As someone who is often too busy or tired to cook an elaborate meal, having healthy options to reach for is especially critical. It’s far better for your diet when your meals aren’t always store-bought frozen ones.
If you’re not gluten-free, word on the street is that there’s usually a delicious bagel stand at the market, though it wasn’t there when I went.
Food was not the only option at this farmers market. Other selections included a Little Free Library, a jewelry stand and a little clothing shop. Overall, there was a diverse selection of items that included far more than just produce. What makes this particular farmers market different from others is the location. Tucked away in the botanical garden, it is hidden to those who don’t know about it, and a well-kept secret of those who do. Though it may not be bustling with vendors like suburban farmers markets, its intimate, cozy feeling may actually be its best feature.
Walking back to the NYBG gift shop and then my dorm, I was quite tired and sweaty, but very satisfied with what I got. There is a wide array of foods and other goods for different tastes, and all three of the items I got are still sitting in my freezer right now as I write this piece.
Overall, I really enjoyed this farmers’ market, and I plan to go back each Wednesday until it closes on Oct. 22. Everyone should check it out at least once, if not for the products, then for the overall good vibes and friendliness of both the patrons and the staff. There are only three weeks left, so visit while you can!
