#InTheLoop | Local, Farm-Fresh Produce Returns to Two Queens Markets
BY QEDC It's In Queens
Though not expected in an urban setting with more than 8 million residents, here are two clear signs that NYC is recovering from COVID: The harvests are great, and fresh produce is delicious!
Queens County Farm Museum’s two green markets – which have been closed to the public since March 13 due to social-distancing rules — are now back in business. Shoppers can peruse and purchase everything from locally grown spinach to freshly laid eggs to honey from Queens bees.
One farmstand is at the main campus, whose entrance is 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Glen Oaks. It’ll operate Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm through Nov. 1. The other one is in front of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Axel Building at 134-20 Jamaica Ave. It’ll run on Fridays from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm through Nov. 13.
In operation since 1697, Queens Farm grows more than 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs using sustainable, organic-style methods. The nonprofit urban oasis is also home to NYC’s largest apiary and such livestock as chickens, pigs, and sheep.
Here’s a list of some items that will be on sale: Adirondack Blue Potato; Asparagus; Brussels Sprouts; Buena Mulata Hot Peppers; Dandelion Greens; DeCicco Broccolini; Dulcina Flat Beans; Escarole; Garlic Scapes; Green Cabbage; Horseradish; Lettuce; Radicchio; Radishes; Red Cabbage; Romanesco Cauliflower; San Marzano Tomatoes; Savor Melon; Savoy Cabbage; Scallions; Spinach; Sweet Cherry Pepper; Swiss Chard; Touchstone Gold Beets; and Turnips.
Herbs include Chamomile, Chives, Dill, Garlic Chives, Lime Basil, Oregano, Sage, Stevia, Sweet Thai Basil, and Tarragon.
The locations accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, SNAP/EBT, WIC, FMNP Checks, and Health Bucks Fresh Connect Checks. And of course, both spots will post COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for customers and staffers while enforcing them.
Meanwhile, Queens Farm’s 47-acre main campus will remain closed to the public until Phase 4 of NY Forward. The grounds feature planting fields, an orchard, a vineyard, livestock, and the restored Cornell Farmhouse, which dates back to the Adriances, a Dutch family that lived there from 1697 to 1808.
Images: Queens Farm