764: Halal Pastures Is Your Favorite NYC Chef’s Favorite Farm

In this episode of This Is Taste, host Eliza Barbanel sits down with Samir Sala and Diana Bushi Sala, the husband-and-wife farming duo behind Halal Pastures, a 100% organic and halal-certified farm in Rock Tavern, New York. The couple shares their journey from urban professionals—Samir an attorney, Diana in finance—to full-time farmers who now supply some of New York City’s top restaurants through their bustling stand at the Union Square Green Market. They reflect on the challenges of starting without farming experience, including early mistakes like planting winter squash in September and losing transplants to groundhogs, and how they overcame them through research, community, and resilience. Their commitment to both halal and organic practices—driven by personal values and a desire for transparency—led them to pursue dual certifications, which they found to be more about paperwork than practice. The conversation dives into the stories behind heirloom seeds, the importance of soil health (especially the rare, 60% organic matter black dirt), and how chefs and home cooks alike seek out unique varieties like lemon cucumbers and Thelma Sanders squash. The episode also explores the cultural significance of food, from Passover Seder traditions to the influence of food influencers on seasonal trends. As the spring and summer bounty unfolds, Halal Pastures continues to be a beacon of flavor, sustainability, and connection in the city’s food ecosystem.