Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery - Union Square

In the heart of Manhattan, where the bustling energy of the city converges at the famous Union Square, a unique and cherished local gem offers a taste of rural tranquility and conscious farming. Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery is not a traditional brick-and-mortar storefront in the city, but a beloved and consistent presence at the Union Square Greenmarket. This makes it a crucial resource for New Yorkers who prioritize organic, biodynamic, and sustainable food. As a staple at the market, the bakery and farm stand provide a direct link from their fields in Ghent, New York, to the plates of city residents. This farm-to-table model, where they not only bake their own bread but also grow their own grains, is what truly sets them apart from the competition.

Hawthorne Valley's approach to food production is rooted in biodynamic farming, a method that goes "beyond organic." They are not just USDA certified organic, but they also adhere to even stricter standards, such as not using any certified organic sprays. This holistic and sustainable philosophy is at the core of their business and is reflected in the incredible quality of their products. Their baked goods, especially the breads, are a testament to this careful process. They specialize in sourdough loaves, many of which are made with rye that they grow themselves. The breads are known for being dense and full of flavor, a result of being fermented for over 24 hours. This commitment to slow, traditional methods is what gives their products a distinctive and highly sought-after character.

Beyond their exceptional breads, Hawthorne Valley is also celebrated for its other artisanal goods. They offer delicious vegan options, such as the vegan walnut chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns, which are made with whole wheat pastry flour. During the holidays, their Stollen is a particularly popular item that receives "AMAZING" reviews. Additionally, they are known for their raw cow's milk cheeses, which are made in an alpine style with vegetarian rennet. The fact that their dairy cows are also raised with the same "beyond organic" principles further solidifies their reputation as a top-tier producer of sustainable, high-quality food. For New Yorkers who are passionate about supporting local farms and eating consciously, Hawthorne Valley is a trusted and essential source.

Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery operates out of a stall at the Union Square Greenmarket, New York, NY 10003. This location is one of the most central and accessible points in Manhattan. The Greenmarket, a vibrant and bustling hub, is a destination in itself for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Hawthorne Valley's presence there year-round, specifically on Wednesdays and Saturdays, makes it a reliable part of many New Yorkers' weekly routines.

The Union Square location is a major transportation nexus, making it incredibly easy to get to from almost anywhere in the city. The Union Square subway station serves a multitude of lines, including the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains. This robust public transit access means that whether you live in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, or another part of Manhattan, getting to the market to pick up your favorite breads and cheeses is a straightforward process.

For locals who frequent the area, the ability to find a consistent, high-quality vendor like Hawthorne Valley at the Greenmarket is a significant convenience. It provides a direct connection to a farm and bakery that might otherwise be a multi-hour drive away. This model of bringing the farm to the city is a hallmark of the Greenmarket and a key reason why it's so beloved. The stall itself is a popular spot within the market, drawing a steady stream of customers who are already familiar with their quality products.

Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery offers a focused selection of high-quality, biodynamic and organic goods.

• Artisanal Sourdough Breads: They are most known for their dense, flavorful, and all-organic sourdough loaves. Varieties include 100% sourdough spelt and rye loaves, which are grown and fermented on their farm.
• Vegan Baked Goods: The bakery caters to a wider audience with its delicious vegan options, such as the walnut chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns, which are made with whole wheat pastry flour.
• Seasonal Offerings: A favorite seasonal item is their Stollen, a German fruit bread that is particularly popular during the holidays.
• Raw Cow's Milk Cheeses: Beyond baked goods, the farm is also renowned for its raw cow's milk cheeses, which are made in an alpine style using vegetarian rennet and milk from their "beyond organic" cows.
• Fresh Produce: In addition to the baked goods, the farm stand sells a variety of seasonal greens and other produce throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Hawthorne Valley stands out for its unique farming and baking philosophy, which results in a number of key highlights.

• Biodynamic and Beyond Organic: The commitment to biodynamic farming is a major selling point. The farm is USDA certified organic but goes even further by not using any certified organic sprays, a practice that reflects a deeper dedication to land stewardship.
• Farm-to-Table Model: They grow their own grains, like rye, which they then use to bake their breads. This direct control over the ingredients ensures the highest quality and an incredibly fresh product.
• Handcrafted Sourdough: Their sourdough breads are a result of a slow, meticulous process, including a 24+ hour fermentation period. This traditional method is what gives the bread its distinct density and flavor.
• Diverse Offerings: While they are a bakery, their presence as a farm stand means customers can get a variety of goods, from breads and vegan cookies to raw milk cheese and fresh produce, all in one place.
• Consistent Presence at Greenmarket: The fact that they are a year-round vendor at the Union Square Greenmarket on a consistent schedule (Wednesdays and Saturdays) makes them a reliable and trusted resource for local shoppers.

Address: Union Square W, New York, NY 10003, USA

For the conscious consumer in New York City, Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery is an invaluable resource and a perfect fit for the local lifestyle. It offers a solution for those who want to support sustainable, ethical, and high-quality food production without having to leave the city. The convenience of their location at the Union Square Greenmarket, a hub of fresh food, makes it a reliable and accessible option for weekly shopping. This direct connection to a farm allows locals to build a relationship with their food source and feel confident in the quality of what they are purchasing.

The unique "beyond organic" philosophy and the tangible results—delicious, dense sourdough breads, amazing holiday Stollen, and flavorful raw cheeses—are what keep customers coming back year after year. It's a place where you can find products that are not just tasty, but also made with integrity and a deep respect for the land. For New Yorkers who seek to bridge the gap between urban life and natural, wholesome food, Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery is an essential and cherished part of the city's culinary landscape. It is a true testament to the power of a local food system and a genuine pleasure to support.

Hawthorne Valley Farm/Bakery - Union Square

Union Square W, New York, NY 10003, USA