Is it time to stock up that new refrigerator? Instead of rushing to the local Shaw’s or Star Market the next time you need new produce, you might want to consider checking out some local markets instead. New England is a haven for small farms, and the best way to take advantage of the fresh — and in many cases, organic — vegetables, grains and meat from Massachusetts to Vermont to Maine is to frequent local farmers markets. Fortunately, for students in Boston, there are a number of farmers markets in and around the city where fresh produce can be found.
GSU Plaza Farmers Market
Starting right on campus, the farmers market at Boston University runs from September 6 to October 25 this year. Located right in the GSU Plaza, the market is open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors include Ward’s Berry Farm from Sharon, selling fruits and vegetables, AKA Marvelicious from Jamaica Plain, specializing in organic, vegan and health-conscious baked goods and Taza Chocolate from Somerville, offering its popular stone-ground, organic chocolate products. In addition to food vendors, Sargent Choice, BU Bikes and Renew Boston will be participating.
SoWa Open Market
Free up your Sunday, because you might just end up spending a few hours at SoWa Market, located on 460 Harrison Ave. The place is rich with the hip cultural vibe of the South End. Food trucks abound, and a vintage market with tons of great finds lies just steps away from the “indie” craft fair where vendors sell hand-made jewelry, clothing and art. Although you’ll likely have to navigate many other eager shoppers, SoWa is the place to find unique goods at decent prices. The SoWa Farmers Market is in a parking lot adjacent to the open-air market, and operates from May 6 to Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Copley Square Farmers Market
One of the most popular open-air markets in Boston is located in Copley Square. Although pricier than other options — as things tend to be in the Back Bay — most of the food is organic, or at least all natural. In addition to vegetables, meat and fish, there’s quite a selection of delicious baked goods, including pastries, muffins and fresh-baked bread. However, the products here aren’t limited to food items. Vendors also sell flowers, all-natural fragrances, jewelry and bath soap. The market is open Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Nov. 20.
Haymarket Open-Air Market
If saving money is your mission, head to Haymarket to find fruits and vegetables at shockingly low prices. The vendors set up tents on Blackstone Street, between North Street and Hanover Street. The market has been operating since the early 19th century, and much of that historic spirit still remains — vendors sell from dawn to dusk, there’s a cacophony of shouting under the tents, and you might even be able to haggle down the prices. While there’s meat and fish for sale, expect a panorama of different fruits and vegetables at unbelievably low prices. If you’re looking for organic produce, try Copley, but if you’re looking for a bargain, Haymarket’s the place to go. You’ll definitely have to navigate hoards of other shoppers, as people from all over Boston come to stock up on cheap food, but the savings are worth it. The market is open year-round on Fridays and Saturdays.
Boston Public Market
The Boston Public Market operates in Dewey Square and City Hall. Both markets offer a selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and baked goods, many of which are organic. The Dewey Square market, located right across from South Station, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and runs from May 24 through Nov. 20. The City Hall market is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting on May 21 and ending on Nov. 21. (After Nov. 4, the market closes at 5 p.m.)
Jamaica Plain Farmers Market
With its multiple thrift stores and signature co-op food market, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Jamaica Plain has its very own farmers market on 677 Centre St. From June 12 to Oct. 30, the market is open on Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. After Oct. 30, it’s open Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 20. Although there are no arts and crafts vendors at the Jamaica Plain market, you will find a wide variety of fresh, local food.
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I like Haymarket for bargains, but it’s worth reinforcing that it isn’t a farmer’s market. It’s really a resellers market where vendors sell produce that they buy from wholesalers at a discount. The reason the produce is so cheap is that it’s often too ripe for supermarkets to sell. And because the produce is very ripe, you need to use it fairly quickly, or you should select produce that keeps well in the fridge.
The author of this webpage has 10 tips for enjoying Haymarket at the bottom of this website- I found it very useful when I was new to Boston: http://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/haymarket-boston.html#axzz25hQBXFz9