What began over three decades ago with 12 farmers in a parking lot on 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan has now grown to become the largest and most diverse outdoor urban farmers market network in the country, nearly doubling in eight years from 28 locations in 2002 to 50 today, with over 200 family farms and fishermen participating, and over 30,000 acres of farmland protected from development.

This unique relationship between farmers and city residents has not only changed the face of regional agriculture, it has also revitalized rural communities and urban spaces, improved consumer health, provided fresh and nutritious food to those most in need, encouraged crop diversity, educated school children and city residents about the importance of regional agriculture, inspired new culinary trends, and influenced chefs and eaters in one of the culinary capitals in the world.

Each of the NYC markets strives to be an anchor to their community providing not only fresh, locally-grown food, but a safe and fun gathering place were neighbors can come together to talk to farmers, share recipes, watch a cooking demonstration, take a tour with a chef and learn about local agriculture.

To find your nearest Greenmarket in Manhattan or Brooklyn click here.

Foods of New York has been offering unique ‘on foot’ tours through New York City’s most delicious and historic neighborhoods since 1999. They provide a non-touristy experience and show you the specialty food shops and ethnic eateries that usually only a native New Yorker will know about.

If you love your Asian cuisine then a tour through China Townis an absolute must. You will not only explore the neighbourhood and its history as the largest concentration of Chinese people in the West, but during this three hour tour you will also stop by in two of Chinatown’s finest restaurants and enjoy regional Chinese cuisine while observing the traditional etiquette that is partnered with these fine foods. Back on the streets you will then venture to one-of-a-kind specialty food shops for additional tastings and cultural insight.

Another area you can tour is the uber-hip Chelsea Market & Meatpacking Districtwhere you will stop by Amy’s Breads, an artisan French-American bakery, Buon Italia, an Italian specialty food shop and Macelleria, an Italian Steak House.

If you are after something a bit more traditional head to Greenwich and walk along the winding, tree-lined streets of the historic West Village. Murray’s Cheese Shop, one of the best cheese shops in NYC since the 1940s will be one of the shops you will visit, as well as an authentic 1950′s style bakery called Milk & Cookies.

Whatever tour you will choose, you are guaranteed to see NYC in a new light, away from the tourists and hectic buzz, while you discover the city the slow way, with all your senses.

To buy a ticket (from $44.00) click here.

image: jaunted