Boston, like so many cities in the northeast, boasts a large selection of farmers markets that never fail to showcase the season’s bounty. While summer provides us with a veritable rainbow of fruits and vegetables, I’m partial to autumn’s gourds, root vegetables, and sweet, crunchy apples. A jaunt through the fall farmers market invokes a sense of grounding for me; despite the impending winter, I’m always comforted by the colors, scents, and aura that the season brings. This weekend, I visited two of Boston’s most popular markets. Not only did I gawk (and subsequently purchase) some of my favorite fall fare, but they also offered some local vegan foodstuffs that was positively swoon-worthy.
Boston/City Hall Plaza Farmers Market, 1 City Hall Plaza, Boston MA
I couldn’t resist these Molly Delicious apples, if only for their fabulous name (if I do say so myself!). Crisp and succulent, these locally picked apples did their name justice.
This beautifully hued cauliflower is also local, and would work well in winter stews and curries.
I love discovering different types of potatoes. On this occasion, I came upon some Russian Banana Fingerlings! Corn, while delicious in its own right, also serves well as a welcoming centerpiece or door hanging. I was excited to pick some out for my cozy apartment!
Copley Square Farmers Market, 139 St. James Ave, Boston, MA
Perhaps my favorite market in Boston, Copley Plaza not only features a large selection of fall produce, but is also situated between two beautiful historical landmarks. Trinity Church, located in Back Bay, was founded in 1733. Even though I am not religious, I cannot help but marvel at the beautiful Romanesque Revival architecture and grandeur of the site.
On the other side of the plaza, tourists flock to the Boston Public Library. Housing many valuable collections, I love to visit and simply appreciate the exterior and interior of this historical building.
I’m always excited to see local vegan products at the farmers market, and this occasion proved no different! Vegan cinnamon almonds? Yes, please! They would be a perfect accompaniment at any holiday party.
Of course, a review of a New England farmers market isn’t complete without locally made maple syrup! I’d love to use this in all of my baking endeavors. Pies, cinnamon rolls, and muffins…the incomparable flavor this syrup lends to holiday treats makes it worth the high price tag.
Another lovely vegan find was a local raw foods company, Sprouted Raw Foods, which not only sells delectable fruit and nut clusters such as the above, but an array of nut butters, crackers, and crisps. It’s always important to support local businesses, especially vegan ones, and I continue to be inspired by this brand’s innovation and creativity.
This season, instead of patronizing your local supermarket, take a walk outside, breathe in the fresh autumnal air, and enjoy the sites of your city’s local farmers market. You won’t regret it.
Also by Molly: Drinking Responsibly – Finding Vegan Wines
More photo essays: New England Charm, Hiking, and Apple Picking in Connecticut
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Photo: Molly Lansdowne
