Summer means a lot of things to different people: beach, sun, burgers, vacations, ice cream, lemonade, picnics, BBQs, parks, cold beer, tank tops, outdoor patios, road trips, and more. To me, summer means all these things, too (except maybe for ice cream – that’s year round) but something else comes to mind when I think of summer: Farmers Markets.
There is something so relaxing and gratifying about farmers markets. Maybe it’s the rows and rows of stalls and white tents that appeal to my sense of order (even at its busiest, it still seems like organized chaos). Maybe it’s the beautiful produce: the bright greens, the colorful berries, the rich hues of the veggies that reminds me of jewels and fashion (is there anything more chic than the color of the eggplant?). Or maybe it’s the fact that I always visit farmers markets on a lazy afternoon, with the hot summer sun lulling me to an easy calm.
I often go to the Charles Square Farmers Market in Harvard Square, located at the Charles Hotel Courtyard (in front of the Legal Seafoods outdoor area and Noir). It is open on Fridays from noon to 6 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm. My shopping list usually includes spinach, cherries, strawberries, basil, potatoes, tomatoes, steaks, eggs, bread, jams, and roasted nuts. Plus a cup of ice cream or a fresh-baked cookie every now and then. This means that I visit and buy from almost every single stall, and I leave with a big smile on my space, a much heavier grocery bag, and a lot less cash (this doesn’t mean that farmers markets are expensive, in fact they’re quite the opposite; I just tend to buy a lot).
Here are some of pictures of my favorite buys:
fresh herbs are perfect for salads and quick summer dishes
these cherries look like candy!
I go through bags of fresh spinach weekly
and baskets of strawberries
Hi Michael Pollan, you changed my way of thinking about meat. Those grass-fed babies are truly worth every dollar
it’s always a touch choice: which bread will I get this time from Hi-Rise?
But at Q’s Nuts , I always go for the Mexican cashews
Some people eat tomatoes like apples. I don’t, but do I like them juicy
Taza chocolate is stone ground organic chocolate – the factory is just located in nearby Sommerville
Aside from the tasty food I’m able to buy at farmers markets, I also love being able to support local businesses. I like the feeling of community, the sense of togetherness. I also like the rustic, non-commercialized vibe – it makes food shopping a better experience!
There is another farmers market in Harvard Square that I am planning to visit very soon: the Harvard University Farmers Market located at Oxford and Kirkland Streets (near Sanders Theater). It is open on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 6 pm. Have you been there? Where are your favorite farmers markets?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Gorgeous pictures! I used to go to that market all the time last summer. I work on Sundays right now, so I haven’t been able to make it down there. I usually go to Union Square in Somerville on Saturdays (hours are 9-1, I think).
Thanks! I heard good things about the Union Square market – will try to check it out soon!
My mouth is watering.
I’d definitely recommend the Harvard Farmers’ Market if you want to pick up a few items, but maybe not for a major food-run. They didn’t have a lot of vegetable stands, but the stand or two there had a pretty good greens selection. And there were lots of baked goods and ice cream…