Now is the Winter of Our Union Square Greenmarket's Content
Monday, February 4, 2013 at 5:11PM 
Barry Benepe and Bob Lewis formed the Greenmarket Organization in 1975. A year later, the first farmer's market opened on 59th Street and Second Avenue. The Union Square location opened in the summer of 1976 and has thrived ever since. Foot traffic slows during the cold months, but thanks to all the vendors braving the weather at Union Square, the market stays open year-round. In the dead of winter, you don't find the ripe melons, fragrant peaches, or juicy tomatos that flood the market in late summer months. Instead, root vegetables, bulbs, apples, yams, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and a variety of potatoes and squash are on offer next to an array of artisanal products. Together they provide ample choice and foundation for exceptional cold weather meals. On a recent blustery afternoon, we buttoned up and took a few shots of the 37-year-old market.
Race Farm is on the north side of the park.
Red Jacket Orchards is just west of Race Farm along 17th Street.
Apple juices for sale at Red Jacket.
The early February crowd is sparse along the market's main stretch.
Joe's Greenhouses from the Hudson Valley, also selling mushrooms from John D. Sapura Farms.
Carrots for sale at Joe's Greenhouses.
Signs advertising products for Central Valley Dairy.
David Graves of Berkshire Berries from Massachusetts.
And our favorite thing about the market in winter?
A peek inside the rig Troncollito Orchards has setup. Most of the vendors that sell apples and cider offer hot cider. Buy some.
The Union Square Greenmarket is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the North and West side of the park.
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