FRESH FROM NEW YORK Union Square Farmers' Market

It's getting colder in New York, cold enough for Rockefeller Center to open the ice skating rink! I guess this is my signal to get ready for winter. Before long, I'll be posting photos of me skidding gliding through the arena.

In parts of town, you can see Christmas lights going up. It'll be very pretty, but I still wonder where has the time gone? Before you know it we'll be wrapping Christmas gifts.

 

I love spending my afternoons admiring the tall buildings of New York. Although, because the streets are so dense I have to be mindful of running smack into people. I wish others would be so mindful.

As can probably guess, my favorite place to visit is the farmers' market. And from time to time, I like to share my fresh finds. On my recent visit there was an abundance fresh apples at nearly every farm stand. I think I  counted 15 different varieties offered across the farmers market.

Compare those beauties to the organic non-sprayed apples. Although cosmetically challenged, I think these are the best tasting ones.

Also in season right now is squash, which comes in all types of funky shapes and sizes. I don't know what variety this is, but I'd love for you to chime in if you know.

This bulbous pumpkin looks like it wasn't sure whether to divide or stick together. I can empathize, I feel that way about my siblings too.

 

Of course there are always the festive guords, and these are the perfect size for our small Manhattan apartments.

Also festive are Indian corn. I found out from a fellow blogger, Kahakai Kitchen, that you can make popcorn out of these decorative pieces.

Red hot chili peppers - I was informed by the farmer that all of them are very hot. He offered a free taste sample, and while I was appreciative, I declined and thought to myself, "My momma didn't raise no dummy!" This was almost as nice as when another farmer dared me to take a bite out of the bittermelon. As I said, my momma didn't raise no dummy.

Once the fall harvest is over, there will be plenty of root vegetables to sustain us through the winter.

Sun chokes another root vegetable is also known as Jerusalem artichokes. I adore cooking with this root vegetable, but was surprised to find out that it's not related to the artichoke at all, rather it is the root of sunflowers. It does have a lovely hint of nutty sunflower flavor.

 

We won't be seeing too many leafy salad greens too much longer at the farmers market. This is my favorite version of a salad bowl, one that regenerates itself.

Rose hips, in addition to being a beautiful decorative piece, it is used in herbal teas, jams, pies and bread. Rose hips are packed with vitamin C, and is believed to be a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.

I'll finish on a sweet note with bosc pears, which are my favorite variety of pears. Best fresh, but the occasional wine poached treat is oh so good!