This article was published in Newsday and written by Erica Marcus.
–
Long Islanders sometimes forget that our suburban island also is home to a remarkable agricultural bounty. Most of us don’t encounter farms on a daily basis, and it’s inconvenient to drive out east every time we need a head of lettuce or an ear of corn.
Luckily, Nassau and Suffolk’s 38 weekly farmers markets provide a consistent source of just-picked fruits and vegetables that make supermarket produce pale in comparison. We’re now seeing the last of the asparagus, the beginning of the berries and, as we move into summer, broccoli, beans, carrots, eggplant, corn and tomatoes. Markets that go into fall will still have winter squash, potatoes and onions through Thanksgiving. And to round out the harvest, all of Long Island’s markets feature artisanal baked goods, condiments, beverages and much more.
This year, we welcome two newcomers. Lona Graepel, who runs markets in Huntington and Babylon has added Ronkonkoma to her lineup. The new railroad hub Station Yards is the place and Tuesday evenings (from 5 to 8 p.m.) are the time to check out the produce from Garden of Eve as well as cheeses from The Big Cheese, local spirits from The Better Man Distillery Co., Bambino Ravioli, Montauk Smoked Fish and more.