Thanks to winter markets, wholesale customers, farm stands, and CSA's, we are seeing more ready to eat produce at early spring farmers' market. Here are some of what we saw at the Copley Farmers' Market during the past two weeks.
Organic asparagus and scallions from Siena Farms.
Rhubarb (above) and potatoes (below) from Foppema's Farm.
And, there were some new vendors this year.
RI Mushroom Company had gorgeous, golden oyster and shiitake mushrooms. (Click on any photo for a larger view.)
River Rock Beef was on hand with their Grass Fed beef cuts. We bought a hanger steak.
And, of course, the specialty food folks were on hand with their wonderful products. From Crystal Brook Farm's goat cheese …
… to Fastachi's selection of artisan roasted nuts and nut products. We're addicted to their roasted almonds.
Here's what we bought on opening day at Copley this year. On Friday, we arrived too late for tomatoes and cucumbers from Atlas Farm. They were sold out before we arrived. With early spring markets, it's good to arrive at opening if you're hoping for scare crops like those.
Starters, Annuals, and Herb Plants, too!
Mint plants from Foppema's.
Many sage varieties from the Herb Lyceum at Gilson's.
Boston Public Market on the Greenway (North End)
We stopped by opening day of the new location for the former City Hall Farmers' Market. It is now called the The Boston Public Market on the Greenway and is located a few steps from the MBTA Haymarket Station in front of the building that will become The Boston Public Market. (Map)
We may have missed out on tomatoes at Friday's Copley Square Market, but Freitas Farm had both medium salad tomatoes and the lovely baskets of cherry tomatoes shown above.
Updates from Other Food Lovers:
Here's a great photo report on the opening of the Union Square Market in Somerville from that great resource Somerville Beat.
Here's a Boston Chowhound Conversation on Late May Farmers' Markets, Farm Stands, and CSAs
Our Related Posts:
Summer Farmers' Markets Opening Dates 2014
Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers' Market posts.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino