Market Values: Boston’s Newest Specialty Markets

With an influx of gourmet shops offering everything from charcuterie to small-batch jams, it’s a glorious time for the home-cook gourmet. Here, we break down some of the city’s exciting new specialty markets.

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Bees Knees Supply Company (Photograph by Michael Piazza)

Local Roots, North End
localrootsboston.com

This urban farmers’ market features local produce, eggs, grass-fed beef, and organic dairy products, all hand-selected by Local Roots’ grocers.

Products: Grass-fed Angus beef from DeNormandie Farm, in Fairhaven; eggs from Coll’s Farm, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire; organic milk from Shaw Farm, in Dracut; fresh fruit juices and smoothies.

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Owner Marco Imbergamo’s pick: Peak-season sweet corn. (Photographs by Scott M. Lacey)

Bee’s Knees Supply Company, Fort Point
beeskneessupply.com

This 5,500-square-foot gourmet superstore focuses on both local provisions and imported international goods, and offers a staggering selection of house-made pâtés, pastries, and sandwiches.

Products: Cheeses, pickles, charcuterie, and chocolates; beer and wine; Batch ice cream by the scoop.

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Owner Jason Owens’s pick: Salted-caramel macarons, made in house.

MA-France, Lexington
mafrancegourmet.com

Owners François and Cecile Attard, who recently emigrated from the Dordogne region of France, opened MA-France at the end of March. Now their shelves are stocked with gourmet products that are hard to find anywhere else in the States.

Products: Cheeses, meats, jams, mustards, escargot, and more arrive directly from France each Wednesday.

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Owner Cecile Attard’s pick: Edmond Fallot mustards.

Olives & Grace, South End
olivesandgrace.com

With a dedication to all things handmade, this tiny emporium brims with artisanal foods and gifts from all over the country. Monthly workshops showcase local talents.

Products: Spicy jams, bacon-peanut brittle, and bourbon marshmallows.

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Owner Sofi Madison’s pick: Saltwater taffy from Brooklyn-based Salty Road.

Christina’s Baking Annex, Inman Square

The newest venture from the team behind Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream and Christina’s Spice and Specialty Foods, in Inman Square, this soon-to-open sweets supplier will feature quality confectionary ingredients for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Products: Retail and wholesale items like Tcho chocolates, Amarena cherries, and an extensive line of extracts.

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Owner Ray Ford’s pick: Wild hibiscus in syrup (for dropping into cocktailsand champagne).