Local Farmers Markets Offer Fresh Food at Great Prices

Gasoline isn’t the only thing that’s pinching people’s budgets this summer. For the first time in nearly two decades, the cost of staples such as bread, milk, eggs, and flour are increasing dramatically, surging in the past year at double-digit rates, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Similarly, prices for fruit and vegetables are soaring, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts no relief anytime soon. The USDA now says the cost of all types of food will rise between 4.5 percent and 5.5 percent through 2008.

One way to save on fruits and vegetables is to shop at farmers markets. With more than 30 locations from Copley Square to Coolidge Corner to Cambridgeport, health- and savings-minded consumers will find a wide variety of fresh produce — for prices that won’t break the bank.

Check out the following locations for the best deals and selections.

Copley Square, Boston
With more than 20 local vendors, the Copley Square market has a large selection of vegetables and fruit, as well as a variety of baked items, cheeses, meats, and artisan crafts. As the summer progresses, the harvest brings more exotic fare — including edible flowers. Don’t leave without trying a glass of the mint lemonade.

Location: Along Saint James Avenue and Dartmouth Street, in front of Trinity Church.
Hours: Open Tuesdays and Fridays, May 20 through November 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Central Square, Cambridge
A vibrant market that is easy to get to by public transportation, the Central Square farmers market has baked goods, plants, organic vegetables, fruits, meat, chocolate, soap, and more. Be sure to look for the vendor who in previous years has dressed up like a tomato to attract customers.

Location: On the corner of Bishop Allen Drive and Norfolk Street behind the Harvest Co-op.
Hours: Open Mondays, June 2 through November 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cambridgeport, Cambridge
There are usually only four to six vendors at the Cambridgeport farmers market, but the quiet location is ideal for Cambridge residents, particularly if they’re planning to stop at Trader Joe’s afterward. Customers will find fresh fruit — including berries and cherries — vegetables, herbs, and freshly baked bread.

Location: At the Morse School parking lot off Magazine Street, across from Trader Joe’s.
Hours: Open Saturdays, June through November, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Coolidge Corner, Brookline
Voted the best Boston Farmers’ Market by the Improper Bostonian in 2005, the Coolidge Corner market is indeed a gem. With more than 20 vendors, there is plenty of variety. Customers can purchase everything from organic fruits and vegetables to cheese, eggs, meat and seafood, bread, preserves, pies, ice cream, and flowers. Be sure to stop by the goat cheese buggy.

Location: At the Centre Street West parking lot off Beacon Street, near Coolidge Corner.
Hours: Open Thursdays, June 19 through October 30, from 1:30 p.m. to dusk.

Davis Square, Somerville
The Davis Square market offers local vegetables and fruit, as well as fresh local baked goods, a variety of farmstead cheeses, beef and lamb, fresh and dried flower arrangements, holiday wreaths, and honey and maple products. Wait — there’s more, including occasional street performances and cooking demonstrations.

Location: At the corner of Day and Herbert Streets.
Hours: Open Wednesdays, May 28 through November 26, from noon to 6 p.m.

Union Square, Somerville
The Union Square farmers market brings together the residential community and the business community every Saturday morning. In addition to fresh local fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and meat, there are local performers, children’s activities, and artisan crafts.

Location: At the intersection of Bow Street, Union Avenue, and Washington Street.
Hours: Open Saturdays, June 7 through October 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information on additional area farmers markets, visit the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets.

Vicky Waltz can be reached at vwaltz@bu.edu.