Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery - Union Square

- Union Square W, New York, NY 10003

For New Yorkers in search of truly exceptional, high-quality, and sustainably produced food, the search often leads to the Union Square Greenmarket. Among the many incredible vendors, Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery stands out as a beacon of biodynamic farming and artisanal craftsmanship. More than just a simple bakery stand, it is the direct city outpost of a larger farm operation located in Ghent, NY, which is committed to a holistic, beyond-organic approach to agriculture.

Hawthorne Valley is a Demeter-certified biodynamic farm, a designation that goes even further than standard organic certification. This means the farm operates as a self-sustaining organism, where every component—from the dairy herd and vegetable fields to the bakery and creamery—works in harmony. The result is food products that are not only free from chemicals but are also brimming with vitality and flavor. The bakery's presence at the Union Square Greenmarket is a direct link between the farm and city dwellers, providing a rare opportunity to purchase food with a known and trusted origin.

The products themselves are a testament to this philosophy. The bread is a particular highlight, with a focus on sourdough loaves made from grains grown on the farm. Customers rave about the dense, satisfying texture and deep flavor that can only come from a slow fermentation process. Beyond the bread, the farm also brings a range of other products, making a visit to their stand a one-stop-shop for a variety of high-quality goods.

You can find the Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery stand at the Union Square Greenmarket, located at Union Square W, New York, NY 10003, USA. This market is a central hub in the city and is a beloved institution for New Yorkers seeking fresh, local produce and artisanal products. The Union Square Greenmarket is held year-round, and Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery is present on both Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Union Square area is a transportation nexus, making the market incredibly easy to reach from all parts of the city. It is served by numerous subway lines, including the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains, all of which have stops right at Union Square. Numerous bus lines also service the area, and for those who walk or bike, the market is a pleasant stroll from several neighborhoods.

The market itself is a public, open-air space with a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it an inclusive spot for all New Yorkers to enjoy. The layout of the market allows for a pleasant and efficient shopping experience, even during peak hours.

• Onsite Services: The primary service is providing fresh-baked goods and farm products directly to customers at the Union Square Greenmarket. The staff is knowledgeable about the farm's practices and products and is happy to answer questions.

• Takeout: All products are available for immediate takeout, perfect for a quick visit to the market to pick up fresh bread, greens, or other farm goods.

• Seasonal Products: The stand offers a variety of seasonal goods, including fresh greens in the spring, summer, and fall, as well as specialty holiday items like the "AMAZING Stollen" mentioned in customer reviews.

• Payment Options: The stand accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and debit cards, for a convenient shopping experience.

• Biodynamic and Beyond Organic: This is a key feature that sets Hawthorne Valley apart. The farm is not only USDA certified organic but also biodynamic, meaning they follow a holistic, closed-loop farming system that is both environmentally conscious and produces food of the highest quality. They even grow their own Rye and do not use any certified organic sprays.

• Exceptional Sourdough Bread: The bakery is renowned for its organic, 100% sourdough loaves. The spelt and rye loaves, in particular, are noted for their density and rich flavor, resulting from a fermentation process that spans over 24 hours.

• High-Quality Dairy and Produce: In addition to baked goods, the stand offers other products from the farm, including "beyond organic" raw cow's milk cheeses, made with vegetarian rennet and in the alpine style. They also bring fresh, seasonal produce to the market.

• Vegan-Friendly Options: The bakery caters to various dietary needs, with options like the vegan walnut chocolate chip cookie, which is made using whole wheat pastry flour.

• Direct Farm Connection: By purchasing from the Hawthorne Valley stand, customers are buying directly from the producer. This fosters a direct relationship with the farm and supports a business with strong ethical and environmental values.

As a farm stand at a public market, there is no direct public phone number for the Union Square location. However, for general inquiries or information about their farm and products, you can find them on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Union Square Greenmarket. For broader information about the farm, you can search for "Hawthorne Valley Farm" online.

Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery is worth choosing for anyone who values transparency, quality, and sustainability in their food. The fact that their products are sourced from a biodynamic, beyond-organic farm sets them apart from the competition. As one customer review states, their goods are "some of the best organic produce and baked goods around!" The review highlights their commitment to a holistic approach, mentioning that they "grow their own Rye" and the density of their "100% sourdough spelt and rye loaves" from a fermentation process lasting over 24 hours.

The bakery stand offers more than just baked goods. It provides a taste of a rural, ethical farming practice right in the heart of the city. The opportunity to buy high-quality, raw cow's milk cheeses alongside your bread and fresh produce is a major draw. For vegans, the existence of a "vegan walnut chocolate chip cookie" is a clear signal of their thoughtfulness in catering to a wider audience without sacrificing quality.

The convenience of finding them at the Union Square Greenmarket, a location easily accessible to most New Yorkers, makes it an excellent choice for a quick visit to stock up on essentials. In a city where it can be difficult to know the origin of your food, Hawthorne Valley provides a clear, reliable, and delicious connection to the land that nurtures us. Choosing them is not just a choice for great food; it’s a choice to support a business with a mission that goes beyond the bottom line.

Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery - Union Square

Union Square W, New York, NY 10003, USA