Visited: August 12th, Wednesday Morning.
Open: 8-5, Wednesdays, July 8th to November.
SIZE
Very small; 3 stands.
VENDORS
Really kind and sweet vendors. Talk to you about your purchase and its deliciousness.
Samples: None offered.
QUALITY OF FOOD
Apples are very crisp and do not turn mealy for the longest time! Vegetables are sweet and crunchy. Migliorelli Farm utilizes the Integrated Pest Management program.
VARIETY
Vegetables:
Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli Raab, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collard Greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Herbs (Various), Jalapeños, Kale, Kirbys, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onions, Parsley, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Shallots, Swiss Chard, Tomatillos, Wax Beans, Zucchini.
Fruit:
Whole: Apples (Cameo, Golden Delicious, Ginger Gold, Empire) Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Raspberries, Tomatoes (Baby, Plum, Regular).
Fruit Products (Breezy Hill Orchards): Apple Cider.
Bread Products (Breezy Hill Orchards):
Baked Goods: Pies (Small, Large, Assorted), Crisps, Crumbles, Cookies (Carrot Raisin, Ginger Snap, Chocolate Chip), Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Turnovers.
Pasta: Homemade Fettuccini (Whole Wheat, Beet, Spinach, Carrot).
SEASONAL CONSISTENCE
The produce that was in season but that Mount Sinai Hospital Greenmarket did not offer on this day was cabbage, garlic, leeks, spinach, squash, turnips, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe and currants.
CENYC.org Information for this market
WHAT’S UNIQUE?
The Mount Sinai Hospital Greenmarket, although very small, accepts both debit and credit cards; thus, the market opens up a new potential for customers because the majority of New Yorkers carry either debit or credit cards. In addition, across the street one can locate a playground and park, perfect for kids to frolic in while their parent or nanny shops for groceries. The proximity to the hospital is also beneficial, for the staff at the hospital has access to the freshest food for themselves and their patients if they so choose to shop for food on a Wednesday morning or afternoon. Patients’ health is the main concern for the doctors at the hospital, and with a Greenmarket nearby at least they can receive the best nutritional care.
PRICING
Very good pricing – low, as compared to other markets.
Arugula: $2.00/bundle
Corn: 5 for $2.00
Homemade Fettuccini: $4.00/box
Small Pie: $6.50
Apple Cider Donuts: $2.50/bag
Apple Cider: $3.50/1/2 gallon
Collard Greens: $2.00/bunch
Pears: $1.85/lb
ACTUALLY LOCAL?
The farms represented at the Mount Sinai Hospital Greenmarket range in location from Staatsburg, New York to Hudson Valley, New York.
CONVENIENCE
This farmer’s market is in the center of a fairly residential area but is also next to the hospital and a playground. Although on a Wednesday morning it did not seem to be the center of business, the location is definitely practical for a farmer’s market.
NAVIGATION
Easy to navigate.
EBT STAMPS Accepted.
FINAL COMMENTS
The Mount Sinai Farmer’s Market has everything going for it save for a few key elements. If the market offered more of a variety, such as meat or dairy, it would attract more business because one could prepare a complete meal using only ingredients from the market. In addition, if the market were open more than once a week, perhaps more dwellers of the East 99th Street area would notice and consequently flock to the market.
