June brings the start of the summer produce bounty.
Color comes into our markets with beets, strawberries, cherries, currants, radishes, rhubarb and — if you're lucky — some early raspberries.
Lettuce, beet greens, turnip greens, pea shoots, mesclun, collard greens, chard, sorrel, spinach, and watercress are available and will be into the summer. The first summer squash is arriving; peas, asparagus, and mushrooms (so tasty together!) are here; and fresh herbs, including scallions, green onions, mint, nettles, and chives — some with blossoms! — beckon.
June is the end of the growing season for asparagus, so grab some while it’s fresh and try this Asparagus Panzanella with Lemon Dressing.
Peas come into season! Which gives us a good chance to try this Crispy Salmon with Pea Shoots and Dairy-Free Pistachio Crème Sauce.
Fresh broccoli comes into season in June. Broccoli is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that may reduce inflammation, aid blood sugar control, promote healthy digestion, support brain function, slow the aging process, and support the immune system, among other benefits.
Summer is a great time to indulge in fresh mozzarella. Paired with basil and a fresh tomato, it makes for a perfect summer snack. Try this Charred Broccolini, Burrata, and Walnut Pesto Tartine for your next brunch. Get some mozzarella from Central Valley Farm at the Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket on Saturdays.
Fresh cut flowers are available and will be all summer. Need to brighten someone's day? Grab a wildflower bouquet from The River Garden at the Union Square Greenmarket.
As always, meat, dairy, fish, honey, and bread are available year-round at greenmarkets. Knead Love bakery, a bakery focused on ancient grains and a circular grain economy, is available at the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket on Saturdays.
To find a greenmarket near you in Brooklyn, go to GrowNYC.com or JustFood.com.
