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As blossoms return to trees and parks begin to fill with picnic blankets, flock to the farmer’s markets to taste the umbrella-shaded strawberries and bright-ripened mangoes and bask in the sweetness of spring. Several outdoor greenmarkets are open year-round rain or shine in New York City. The three that made our off-the-island short list will make you feel in full bloom, or at least, get you out of bed before noon.

The Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

When: Saturdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Why: Grand Army Plaza hosts the second-largest open air greenmarket in New York City. You’ll find everything from blueberry wine and goat cheese to one hundred varieties of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, baked goods, dairy products, local wine, apple cider, jams and pickled eats, as well as fresh-picked flowers, plants and seeds.

How to get there: Grand Army Plaza is formed by the intersection of Flatbush Avenue, Eastern Parkway, Prospect Park West and other streets. The market held on the Northwest edge of Prospect Park, near the large “Arch.” Take the 2 or 3 Train to Grand Army Plaza station, the Q Train to 7th Ave. Station (Flatbush Ave.), the B41 or B71 Bus along Flatbush Ave. to Grand Army Plaza, or the B69 Bus along Prospect Park West.

The Fort Greene Park Greenmarket

When: Saturdays 8:00 a.m-5:00p.m.

Why: Conveniently located in downtown Brooklyn, this lovely park-setting features fresh seafood, apples and cider, free-range poultry and pork, plants, herbs, salad greens, flowers, milk, yogurt, honey, butter, seasonal fruits and vegetables, breads, pastries and other baked goods.

How to get there: Fort Greene Park – DeKalb Avenue at Washington Park. Take the A/C to Lafayette Avenue, the G to Fulton Street, the D, M, N, Q, R to DeKalb Avenue or the 2, 3, 4, 5 to Atlantic Avenue or Nevins Street.

Greenpoint/McCarren Park Greenmarket

When: Saturdays 8:00 a.m-3:00p.m.

Why: This small but satisfying open-air farmer’s market typically has locally grown, organic produce, meats, dairy, baked goods and sometimes flowers, honey and maple syrup.

How to get there: McCarren Park at Lorimer Street & Driggs Avenue. Take the L to Bedford Avenue, the G to Nassau Avenue, or the B48 Bus runs Greenpoint to Prospect Lefferts Gardens.

Note: These are all the current Brooklyn Greenmarkets offering year-round services. For a complete listing and detailed location map for all markets, visit cenyc.org.

Photos: Courtesy of the author and Roboppy

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