CU Greenmarket shelters fresh, cheap seasonal eats

Every Thursday and Sunday, the sidewalk on the east side of Broadway between 114th and 116th streets is crammed with awnings and stands of the farmer’s market. Part of the larger network of New York Greenmarkets, the Columbia Greenmarket offers students freshly picked local produce, as well as fresh cheeses, meats, breads, and jams.

Yet, many students speed past the booths without even glancing at the colorful items on sale. Perhaps, the variety at the stands is just too daunting for the average Columbian who is used to the limited selection at Westside Market, but with a basic understanding of the market’s static layout, students can navigate the Greenmarket with the same degree of familiarity and ease.

First on the list is Stannard Farm, the booth right outside the west exit of Lerner Hall. The woman behind the cash register strongly recommended the Gala apples, which sat among a selection of Bosc pears. At the stand, two apples and one pear total only $1.50. The Gala is a very soft, slightly mealy apple with a sweet taste, while the Bosc pear has a beautiful, light taste—it is very firm and crisp, which is a pleasant surprise, considering that pears at local grocery stores are overly mushy.

At the corner of 114th Street and Broadway stands Stannard Farm’s biggest competition—Samascott Orchard. Passers on the sidewalk may have a difficult time pulling themselves from the sweet, sugary scent of fresh apple cider and apple doughnuts. The woman standing by the doughnuts suggested the Cameo and Golden Russet apples. The Cameo is a typical apple that is very crisp and sweet, with a red-yellow skin. The Golden Russet has a brown-yellow skin and is firm, with a sour, watery flavor and a bitter aftertaste. And, of course, it’s nearly impossible to resist buying some cider. All three of these items add up to $2.90.

Coupled with the Cameo apple slices, the best bet is Colby cheese from the Millport Dairy. With a price of $6, it was the most expensive purchase of the day, which is not out of the ordinary for high-quality cheese. The cheese pairs perfectly with the Cameo apple or fresh bread—or both apples and bread at the same time.

For fresh bread, head to Buon Pane and Focaccia, a booth that offers delicious focaccia for only $4—perfect for lunch on the run. The small demi baguette for only $1 is also ideal for a student meal. The bread is chewy and not too crunchy on the outside.

Finally, for dessert, Meredith’s Bread calls to students with its cookies, sweet breads, and small pies. For $6, one can buy a package of delightful macaroons as well as a fresh, hot cross bun.
Beth’s Farm Kitchen also offers what appear to be hundreds of sweet and savory jams and chutneys. Favorites of the day were strawberry rhubarb jam and mango chutney.

Once students feel like they have mastered the Columbia Greenmarket, they should head down to Union Square, where New York’s biggest market takes center stage. For only a short trip down the 1 line, students will find endless possibilities.