Bethany's Best of Boston Blog: Haymarket: An unforgettable experience

If you are expecting a serene farmer's market with organic produce, artisan bread, and hefty prices, Haymarket is NOT for you. Centered around some of the oldest remaining buildings in Boston, haymarket is something that is remincent of the old days of Boston when it was a bustling port and had lots of open air markets and trading. Haymarket is unique. It is a great place to watch people and it is amazing some of the things you see and hear. Vendors are shouting for people to buy their produce. They also like to cuss out their co-workers and occassionally, an annoying customer (after the person has moved on). Definitely not a PG rated place for language so watch out if you bring the kiddos.

Haymarket is the place to get great prices on produce. Strawberries and raspberries for $1, two green leaf lettuces for $1.50, 3 red bell pepers for $1...you really can't beat the prices. So, how does this work? Every week, the produce that is left in the produce warehouses after the grocery stores have their pick is bought by the vendors at haymarket. Sometimes the produce is in great condition, it is just left over. Sometimes it really is rotten or almost rotten. So, buyers beware.

The way to get the most out of haymarket is to weave your way through the entire area and see what the going prices are and get a feel for how fresh produce is and what is is in season. Then, go back and get the best deals at the places with the best quality. It is worth paying more sometimes for better quality. Haymarket is open Fridays and Saturdays from dawn to dusk. I find that the best produce is available on Fridays with Friday afternoons the best time to go. Again, the higher quality produce is out at this time. Prices may be slightly higher on Friday but it is worth it because you will end up throwing out less. Saturday around 4-6pm is the best time to get last minute deals.

You can't really haggle with the prices so don't try, especially on Fridays. Sometimes the vendors are offended when you touch the produce so be aware of that too. The vendors stay in the same location every week so you can get a feel for the ones that allow you to choose your own produce or that are more friendly etc. The market is conveniently located at the Haymarket stop and also close to the Government Center stop on the Green Line and is an entertaining experience and great for students or people trying to save money on produce.