Pick Up Some Winning Pears!

There aren’t many places in the world that grow pears, but right now, the Northeast is one of ‘em -- and the Greenmarket growers have some of the most perfect pears around.

A relative of the apple (which were once known as the poor man’s pear), pears are high in fiber and potassium. There are hundreds of varieties of pears, including the popular Bartletts and Seckels and just as many ways to enjoy this beautiful and delicate fruit. Toss them into a salad. Cook up a jam. Make a quick compote or chutney. Poach them and serve with a sweet sauce. Bake a pear pie or crisp. Or just eat `em wonderfully raw.

Pears are a lovely complement to your next cheese plate, particularly alongside aged cheeses and blues. And they make a simple, sweet after-dinner treat with a piece of dark chocolate.

Recipe: Perfect Pear Salad

3-4 cups of salad greens (frisée, spinach, arugula), washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
2 pears, halved, cored, and sliced lengthwise
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
2/4 cup chopped pecans
2 Tablespoons walnut oil
1 Tablespoon sherry vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine walnut oil and sherry vinegar. Add greens and pear slices and toss to coat. Add cheese, pecans, and salt, and pepper and mix gently. Serve immediately.

Greenspeak Word of the Week: 'Farmstead Cheese'

Farmstead cheese is made by the farmer who raises and milks the animals (cows, goats, sheep) that produce the milk.

Market-to-Table Tour with Gramercy Tavern's Chef Michael Anthony

On Saturday, November 10, join Gramercy Tavern’s Executive Chef Michael Anthony on a special tour of the Union Square Greenmarket followed by a four-course lunch at the Tavern. Discover how the Greenmarket’s ingredients influence Anthony’s menu, find out what he loves most about this famed farmers market, and feast on a unique meal at Gramercy Tavern featuring the Greenmarket’s vast bounty. Reserve your spot today as space is limited. Ticket cost is $110. The market tour is from 10am-11am, lunch at Gramercy Tavern will be from 11:30am-1:30pm.

For more information and to reserve your spot, click here Market Table Tour.

'King Corn' in NYC Theatres Now

Dethrone the current king of food additives by seeing "King Corn." Playing at the Cinema Village, this groundbreaking documentary will change the way you look at what's on your plate and help you understand why corn may be a matter of life and death for family farms and consumers alike.

Click here to find out more information about King Corn.

Insider's Guide to the Greenmarket: Go early!

Unlike the grocery store, which is fully stocked one minute before closing, farmers plan to sell out by day’s end, so early birds definitely catch the worm. Also, although tomatoes don’t mind the hours in the sun, lettuce does. What’s not sold out by the afternoon may be wilted. That said, you can sometimes find particularly good deals in the afternoon, when farmers are eager to sell out and get home.

Featured Farmers: The Concklin Family

The Concklin family has been farming in New York’s Rockland County since 1712. Siblings Richard and Linda Concklin are keeping tradition alive, as famous for their apple cider donuts as they are for the impressive variety of delicious produce. Stop by their stand at Bowling Green on Tuesdays, City Hall on Fridays or South Village on Sundays to pick up their juicy apples and luscious pears. And don’t forget to grab a donut (or two).

Raise Your Voice: 2007 Farm Bill

Do your part to support sustainable food systems, family farmers, and farmers markets. Call your congressional representatives today and let them know you want a Farm Bill that supports building strong, sustainable, local, and regional food systems.

Say no to agri-business interests -- and yes to eating locally with just one phone call!

Click here to find your Congressional contacts.

Click here to find your Senatorial contacts.

Click here to learn more about the 2007 Farm Bill.