Boston Late Summer Produce Guide

By purchasing locally grown food, Bostonians are helping support a vibrant local economy. Massachusetts isn't often known as an agricultural state, but there are many farms that are producing tasty, sustainable food. However, many Boston residents don't own cars, making it tricky to get out to the suburbs and purchase produce, dairy and baked goods directly from these farms. That's where farmers' markets come in. The number of farmers' markets in Boston has grown rapidly over the past 10 years as people have become more health-conscious and aware of the importance of buying locally. Listed below are five easy-to-find farmers' markets in Boston's downtown.

SOWA Open Market
460 Harrison Ave
Boston, MA 02118
www.sowavintagemarket.com

SOWA is most widely known as a fabulous vintage market and craft fair, but the weekly market also draws local produce and food vendors. Located just outside of the main building, a farmers' market is set up every Sunday at 10 a.m., seasonally. This is a particularly good market at which to shop because not only does it have fruits and vegetables, but there are also homemade candies, honeys, syrups, breads and sometimes dairy. In the late summer, this is the perfect place for South End and Chinatown residents to pick up seasonal veggies like corn and tomatoes.

Copley Square Farmers Market
Copley Square
560 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
www.farmfresh.org

One of the biggest farmers' markets in town is right in front of the Boston Public Library. The market is there every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., seasonally. In addition to being super convenient for Back Bay residents, this market is also just a quick walk from both the Green and Orange lines of the MBTA Subway service. This is also a great place for budding green thumbs because there are often farmers selling potted plants and seedlings.

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Dewey Square Farmers Market
Dewey Square
600 Atlantic Ave.
Boston, MA 02111
www.farmfresh.org

This market is small, but convenient. Located between South Station and the Financial District, the Dewey Square Market is the perfect opportunity for commuters to grab a piece of fruit for a quick breakfast, or a few ears of corn for the whole family on their way home. This market is budget-friendly and also features some fun, quirky vendors like The Coffee Trike. Dewey Square Market is open every Tuesday and Thursday through November 25.

Boston Public Market
Boston Public Market Sidewalk
136 Blackstone St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 973-4909
www.bostonpublicmarket.org

The year-round indoor Boston Public Market has been in the works for years. Though it hasn't opened its doors just yet, the new facility promises to be a vibrant and diverse marketplace. In the meantime, Government Center-based produce seekers can head to City Hall Plaza on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 11 a.m. to find the temporary outdoor market. Eventually, the Boston Public Market will offer Bostonians an array of local food, including seafood and artisan goods.

Boston Organics
50 Terminal St., Building 2
Charlestown MA 02129
(617) 242-1700
www.bostonorganics.com

People who are insanely busy this summer can still enjoy all of the in-season specialties that Boston has to offer. The solution is a produce delivery service like Boston Organics. Boston Organics offers a local box of goodies to your door for just $39. It's like a home-delivery CSA!

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