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Boston Organics
Categories: Food Grocery Food Food Delivery Services Grocery, Food Delivery Services [Edit]
50 Terminal StCharlestown, MA 02129
Neighborhood: Charlestown
(617) 242-1700
- Nearest Transit:
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Bunker Hill St @ Pearl St (89/93, 93)
Bunker Hill St @ School St (89/93, 9109, 9111, 93)
Bunker Hill St @ Polk St (89/93, 93)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
79 reviews for Boston Organics
Review Highlights
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"I get a box every other week, and that has been sufficient." In 3 reviews -
"encourages exploring new fruits and veggies." In 15 reviews -
"butternut squash + sweet potato + carrot soup." In 5 reviews
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79 reviews in English
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Review from Caitlyn L.
Boston, MA
3/1/2012
I have genuine and heartfelt love for Boston Organics. I'd wanted to sign up for the service for years, but at the time I lived on a tiny street in the North End in a building without a lobby. When I moved to a bigger building in Brookline, one of the first things I did was sign up for Boston Organics.
I signed up for the Dogma Box, which, for $29/month, includes at least eight unique fruits, vegetables, and/or herbs, sourced as locally as possible. The furthest I've seen, even in the dead of winter, is Quebec and New York, which is a vast improvement over California, Florida, or even international produce. The dogma box is one of the cheapest options and it is still too much for one person (try as I might!), and I only have it delivered every other week. That said, the abundance of root vegetables this winter has been my friend, as I can store most of them for weeks, if not months, in my fridge.
The variety in the local box (and I'm sure even moreso in the regular boxes) has been wonderful, and I've tried countless new vegetables because of Boston Organics: garlic scapes (amazing in a pesto), black radishes, sunchokes, celeriac, and so on and so forth. While I can't wait for the variety and abundance that spring will bring, even winter has been great, learning how to make delicious root vegetables (and the occasional head of cabbage or kale) work for me. Learning to eat seasonally hasn't been easy, but Boston Organics has made it so much easier.
As for their customer service, they score highly there, too. I've forgotten to put my box out numerous times (I recently collected three boxes, which it is not in my best interest to do, given that I live in a studio apartment) and the couple of times I've called to apologize/explain, they've been understanding and genuinely don't care, so long as you return them eventually. I sent them an email asking if I could expect to see any fruit in the dogma box, and received a prompt (within the hour) response telling me I'd see some apples and pears in the fall, but that was pretty much it. I responded saying that I'd hoped to see some berries in the spring and summer but it was by no means a dealbreaker, and I ended up receiving blueberries at least three or four times over the summer. I don't know if my email had anything to do with the change, but I was happy nonetheless.
I strongly believe in eating local and organic food, and Boston Organics makes it easier and more affordable for a wider audience in the Boston area. -
Review from Jeff F.
Boston, MA
3/26/2012
I love Boston Organics so much. You know by Saturday or Sunday what will be coming that week so you have plenty of time to plan meals around the box. The no-list is an awesome feature because sometimes I get tired of black radishes and they don't judge me for that. One time they forgot my sweet potatoes and made up for it by sending a whole box of them plus some other random goodies to make up for it. And, on my 10th box anniversary, they sent me a bamboo spoon. It doesn't get much better than that.
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Review from Michelle B.
Roxbury, MA
Updated - 9/27/2011
I ended up cancelling my Boston Organics service because I just wasn't enjoying it as much as I should be. I think I had one too many weeks of receiving produce that'd be going south two days after I got it and sometimes I just can't cook that fast - my delivery day was Tuesdays, but I do most of my cooking Saturday - Thursday, so it just didn't mesh well with my schedule.
I will say, however, that their customer service is absolutely top notch. Whenever I had a problem - even when it was MY fault (I really did think I saved my updated no list, I swear!) - their response was always prompt and professional and always in my favor, even when I admitted my mistake in contacting them once. You really can't beat it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/1/2011
I'm really happy with Boston Organics so far; I've been having the Dogma Box delivered to my house… Read more »
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Review from Francine W.
Somerville, MA
10/7/2011
Let me preface my review by saying that I just got my first delivery from BO so I havent been with them any length of time. However, I am SO happy with the product quality and my box arrived right at my door inside my apt building. Another person gets deliveries here so I guess thats how they got in but either way, it was really nice of them.
I think the price is solid. Some product/foods are a tiny bit more expensive but it's worth it. For example, I believe I can get organic eggs for 3.99 at TJ but they are 4.60 from BO. BUT they are local so in this economy, where I am fortunate enough to have a job, I feel good about supporting our local economy.
Definitely love their "no food" list and "add ons"
Also love that their magnets tell you how to store produce-- i wasnt sure on some things like butternut squash and it definitely helped! -
Review from Michelle J.
Boston, MA
Updated - 6/26/2011
They listened to me! Maybe? Anyways, I was browsing their website today, and it looks like they do deliver to the Chelsea area now. Woohoo!
I live in Winthrop now, and used the service last summer for a few months. It was very convenient and the produce portions were generous.
The reason I stopped using them was I got tired of not being able to plan my meals out in advance. But it's a great service to try if you don't have the ability to go grocery shopping and enjoy trying out random fruits/veggies.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/25/2009
I'm sure their produce is great, but their service isn't so great. I emailed them weeks, maybe… Read more »
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Review from Heather R.
Boston, MA
2/5/2012
I have been happy with my service so far. I like it that I can go to "this weeks box" on Sunday and check out what will be in all the boxes. Then I still have time to change my box if I like. Lately I have had the small box, which I have no problem eating by myself. This year I had Georgia P's CSA in the Spring through early fall and I was very happy with that. So I decided to try Boston Organics. Certainly the no list and being able to pick your box, and switch your box is excellent. Their lettuce is not as delicious as the Georgia P's lettuce was, so I look forward to that once the CSA season starts up again.
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Review from Monica R.
Dorchester, MA
8/25/2011 1 photo
I am thrilled with my decision to have Boston Organics deliver fruits and veggies to my door every Tuesday. The produce has been wonderful and fresh, and I've loved trying out the new recipes the come in the e-newsletter. I can't stop telling people about Boston Organics and encouraging them to sign up.
I have never done anything like this before, but I have friends who get produce through farm shares and the like, and they wind up with four pounds of zucchini that they have no idea what to do with. I love that I get a wide variety of fruits and veggies so I can make a lot of different things. I love, love, love Boston Organics! -
Review from Dorise G.
6/5/2011
Boston Organics is my latest food crush, and I can't sing its praises more highly.
I drool at the thought of joining a CSA, to belong to one of those communal agro-societies and eat local/sustainable/seasonable deliciousness. This is the food I thrive on. Except - I'm single and I don't have a car, so picking up deliveries and trying to consume all the food that comes with a CSA, even shared, is a near-impossible task.
Enter Boston Organics.
For just $29 every other week, I can get the Dogma Box in the summer (that's locally-sourced organic fruits, veggies, and herbs), and in the winter months I can still have produce delivered right to my door that, while less local, is at least diverse in product and still Organic. Also, considering that I barely went grocery shopping before because of the time it takes up, how heavy groceries are and how puny my muscles are, I ate out more than I wanted and cooked less than I wanted. The produce I get lasts me the full 2 weeks so it rounds out to only being about $15/week for a ton of fruits and veggies, I can get add ons of tea and bread and eggs and flour and granola and pickles and CHEEEEEESE so I *still* hardly need to do any grocery shopping beyond nabbing a few staples.
I change my box often to keep up diversity, I nab add-ons often, I update my "no" lists (I don't like tangelos, i'm sorry!), the customer service department is friendly and responsive when I get a squished kiwi, and the delivery guy is gracious when I answer my door, disheveled in a bathrobe, having just completed belting a Rebecca Black parody for my students, as he turns the key.
A++++ Boston Organics. I heart you, and my banana bread, and my omelets, and my roasted veggies, and my salads with homemade vinaigrettes... -
Review from George S.
Cambridge, MA
8/7/2011
I've been with Boston Organics for 4 years, and I am definitely a fan.
If you're looking for a weekly or biweekly organic fruit / vegetable delivery, this is definitely worth considering. There's a lot of flexibility, which is good if your main reason for using it is that you don't have enough time for grocery shopping. What you get can be controlled very well through the No-List. At the same time, you have the option of going 100% local etc, if you prefer to do so.
If you're an ex-customer, I'd like to point out that their service has improved. 2-3 years ago, the box would contain damaged produce every so often, and upon reporting it we were only ever told that we'd get additional produce in our next box, without being told what exactly we would get. Recently, the system was overhauled, and when we once got rotten produce a few months ago and reported it, we got a flawless replacement shipping the next day! -
Review from Kelly O.
11/4/2011
As a newly returning customer of Boston Organics who has a year or so past experience with the service, I'm a big fan. Here are my thoughts:
Pros:
-organic = awesome
-as local as possible/supporting small farms, also awesome
-comes straight to your door... doesn't get any more convenient than that!
-"no list" option: unlike CSAs and other shares, you can actually specify what you never want to get in your boxes (or what you want to skip that week, to give yourself more variety). This is the biggest strength of Boston Organics IMO and why I chose it over any other similar program... I don't want to pay $ to get a box full of things I don't eat and/or are sick of.
-sweet add-on options (produce, pantry staples, chocolate, coffee...)
-reasonably priced (for organic, that is)
-forces you to be adventurous... would I have ever gotten a rutabaga on my own? No (had no idea what it was). Did I find I actually like it when forced to use it? Yes! (Curried rutabaga = tasty.)
-forces you to eat your fruits and veggies and be healthier instead of making excuses ("too tired to go to the store, take-out's easier")
-offers a variety of box options for you, so you can customize the size and the veggie/fruit breakdown plus delivery frequency (every week or every other), as well as other neat box options (like the Dogma box, which is sourced as close to MA as possible)
-always states online what's going to be in your box that week so you can prepare/meal plan
-you can take a break, cancel completely, and/or come back at any time
Cons:
-You really do need to plan your dining ahead of time to make the most use of your box, as it can go bad quickly. Poor planning means you'll waste half (or more!) of your box, which then wastes money.
-The winter can be rough... be prepared for greens, greens, and more greens, with some root veggies thrown in. Of course, you can use your "no list", but they'll need to substitute all those greens for something else, which you may then also get sick of. Par for the course in the winter in New England though, nothing to do with BO, but worth mentioning.
-The small box is too much for one person (no, just me?), you (I) really need someone to split it with (I tried doing it on my own for a month but had to quit, things just went too bad too quickly). My usual is the small 2/3 veggie box delivered every other week, and I find splitting that with one other person allows us to get the most out of the box before it spoils, plus gives us enough time off in between deliveries to supplement with normal shopping at the local Trader Joe's (so that we're not constantly scrambling for recipes that include celeriac and dinosaur kale).
-At times, the produce can be slightly dirty/dented/bent/spotted. But they're always willing to replace something you weren't 100% happy with (and rarely is this anything that's not simply cosmetic, you hardly ever get something that's already gone bad or whatnot). Do remember this stuff's coming straight from the ground and is subject to being a bit wonky, in contrast to the perfectly shaped and gleaming rows of produce you may see in the supermarket.
-You can't pick your delivery days, so your own schedule may not jive well (like the Yelper who mentioned her delivery and the days she actually had time to cook were not congruent).
I initially cancelled my service a year or so ago when my box-splitter moved (and I couldn't have a small box all to myself without things going bad too quickly), but now that I have a household size of 2 and the summer farmers' markets ending, I thought it was time to start back up. I'm pondering stopping service just during the summers so I can take advantage of the summer farmers markets and choose my own produce as needed, but BO is really ideal for the winter months when that's just not an option. -
Review from amanda s.
Medford, MA
1/7/2011
Okay straight to the point - it's a little more expensive than I would like it to be - but what isn't? Seriously. I could review anyplace and think, "gee it would be nice if this were cheaper"
Think of it like a gym membership -
You can sit on your butt, not go to the supermarket - and still get healthy!
When else can you claim that ability?
Fresh fruit and veggies - and yes, I mean fresh.
Quit complaining about fruits and veggies spoiling - it happens if you
don't eat them. Hence why they are called "FRESH"
People really seem to expect their produce to last a long time.
Have they mistaken these items for the kind at the supermarket that are genetic mutants with waxy skin, tasteless flesh, and chemicals?
I start with the fruits and vegetables that I know will ripen and spoil the fastest and then move on to my more sturdy root veggies and such.
Yes, on occasion the boxes are a little less full, then at other times it is overflowing with goodness. That's fine! That's the seasonality of produce.
I love how it makes even me, the vegetarian, eat more fresh veggies!
I love being able to walk to the kitchen and have a healthy snack option right there waiting for me.
AND THE ADDED BONUS? I have a pet Iguana - HE LOVES HIS FRESH GREENS AND FRUITS TOO! Boston Organics pet food delivery, hehehe!
I love playing internet iron chef and learning new ways to prepare my foodies!
I've even had the delight of hearing my husband talk about how he would have never tried, never mind discovered that he liked, so many veggies!
I love the add on choices for when I want to make something specific and to ensure fresh eggs are in the fridge!
Okay, I'm hungry - fruit snackin' time!
Thanks Boston Organics! -
Review from Caroline C.
Boston, MA
11/2/2010
I've been a Boston Organics customer for at least six years.
I love them. It's like Christmas every other Tuesday.
Most of the produce is excellent, and on the rare occasion a spotted carrot sneaks into my box, they make up for it next time around.
Having produce delivered to your doorstep is an excellent way to make sure you get your 5 (or 10!) a day. And Boston Organics gives you get a pretty solid variety - with the basics such as bananas, apples, chard and lettuce, with some wild card kiwi berries and sunchokes.
I order the medium size 2/3 veggie box , ever other week. And, with planning, I'll eat most of it within a week (yup, just me - a tiny little vegetable eating machine). It does take some thought and dedication to make sure that it all gets consumed, but - ha! - that has make me learn to be an awesome cook. AND, if you are conscious about eating your veggies, you end up saving money, as you develop a tendency to bring leftovers for lunch.
As for the organic v. local debate - I'll just say, I feel Boston Organics does their best to go local AND organic, but as you know, that's not easy. If you want avocado and bananas, it doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense to set up a greenhouse in New England - that is just silly and inefficient. So it's avocados or farm shares. Not that I'm knocking farm shares - those are also awesome. But Boston Organic delivers to your doorstep. Avocados on your doorstep.
As for value, it is possible that you may pay the same (or even less) if you go directly to the local market (not always, but certainly sometimes). But who is able to do that regularly? Without breaking down and getting a pizza instead? Plus, that time saved from not getting in my car and going to the store - WORTH IT. And, with the delivery, I have no choice but to eat healthy. And, on the 5th delivery of it, I've even learned to like eggplant. Still working on sunchokes, though.
(One disclaimer, however - I sought out Boston Organics because I loved Urban Organics (a similar service) so much when I live in New York City. Being New York, Urban Organics was able to get bit more produce at a lower cost [and gave free boxes like candy when things went wrong or you referred a customer] - so it may not be as awesome as what you may be used to in other big cities [I can only imagine California]. But this is New England. It's far, cold and more difficult to grow things. I think they are doing a pretty great job. -
Review from Brian D.
2/25/2009
Leaning towards a life of obesity and culinary ennui I come to the last straw, a can of 2 year old kidney beans and a frozen bag of 'god only knows what this animal meat was before it was freezer burned'. Again I come to this. AGAIN. What is wrong with me? I can cook. I like to shop. I like to eat different dead things, I've even eaten rooster testicles and bear steaks. The picture is coming into focus, yes, yes, I can see it clearly - my problem, utter and devastating laziness.
Enter an annoying splinter of help into my life. Boston Organics. Let's just say this, the wife made us sign up for it. I mean honestly, having a recurring auto-debit on my checking account for freaking vegetables is not my idea of living the good life. But allow me to bypass my negativity for a moment.....
Convenience, holy shit - these hippie suns-a-guns bring vegetables TO YOU. Yeah, you don't even have to TALK to anybody. They put the vegetables on your PORCH or in your HALLWAY. Jesus, and there's a lot of them too. Sorry, fruits AND vegetables. And stuff I've never seen before, a box of sprouting beans that I am supposed to eat as a snack? What the hell is that? A blood orange? Carrots not in a plastic bag? Damn.
So, now a new dilemma. I have to eat all this crap. A man can eat only so many salads. A man can eat only so many servings of citrus. A man....a man.....will not eat raw broccoli. Laziness, death by culinary boredom averted? Yes. Would I have preferred a life filled with 'Meat of the Week' yes. Will this do the trick and perhaps unclog my salted, fatty heart? I really don't know.
Thanks for something or other, Boston Organics. -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
2/19/2008
Great service - I love their bonded key service - safe, secure, and super convenient for yours truly.
I first tried using Boston Organics in my old apartment - we ran into an issue with another (kind of psycho) tenant in the building stealing my box of produce (she was also a BO client and would take my stuff with hers). The folks at Boston Organics were great about the whole thing - without getting into it, they handled most of the drama from their end and just issued me a quick refund and a polite apology call.
I signed up a few weeks ago now that I'm pretty settled in the new digs - and I LOVE LOVE coming home to a box of fresh produce - though i will say, being organic this stuff goes fast so be sure to cook and freeze your items or to use them quickly. Also, if you're like me and apt to coming home late late at night, turn your heat way down (I sprouted and ruined all of the potatoes in my first order).
If you're single like me I suggest going with delivery every other week as it is a lot of food. But it's an awesome value for the fair trade, organic produce - and BOrganic's weekly email newsletter will give you the lowdown on where your food was produced, why it was selected, as well as other useful info.
My only wish is that they'd include a fridge pack or something with the items when they drop them off - then I wouldn't have to worry so much about getting home on time. Ah well.
Sign up now - you know you want to. -
Review from Kelly Z.
6/29/2005
This is a TERRIFIC service, and I highly recommend it for anyone and everyone.
For either $25 or $35 per month you get a random assortment of either fruits or veggies (you pick-- all fruit, all veggies, half-and-half, or 2/3-1/3 either way). You tell them, via their website, what specific produce you never want to get (i.e. I never want squash), and what you want them to substitute (i.e. replace anything with avocado). They deliver this straight to your doorstep-- or kitchen, they have a key service-- weekly or bi-weekly (your choice).
This is a terrific value-- I compared our delivery several times with what we'd pay at a grocery store for conventional (non-organic) produce, and it was always cheaper to get the Boston Organics delivery.
The fruit is always fresh and extremely tasty. The vegetables are always crisp. Their citrus fruit is especially delicious, and the pears are very fragrant. Sometimes the produce arrives a little under-ripe, but there's always some that can be eaten right away.
During the winter there is a less varied selection, but that's to be expected. -
Review from Kirs P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
10/4/2006
I just got my first box of veggies and fruit from Boston Organics and I'm sooo excited! Everything just looks so fresh and good!
I may be spending a little bit more money, but I will do that every time if it means I'm supporting great businesses like this. They are eco-friendly, locally oriented, and, from their bios on the website, would fit right in with my progressive leanings.
The prices have gone up a couple bucks- it's now 27 for small, 37 for big, and 55 for family sized. I'm getting the $27 box every week and it seems to work out perfectly for me, my husband, and our roommate. I also love that I can add on eggs, coffee, and bread whenever I want. It sure beats going to Stop and Shop and being completely dismayed by the produce selection. And, I kinda like the surprise element. It forces me to think outside my cooking box. I've never even had a carnival squash, but I'm looking forward to it.
They also give you a little newsletter with tasty recipes and a heads-up on what's to come in the next few weeks. I can't wait until next Tuesday when my next box arrives :-) -
Review from Leo L.
Framingham, MA
11/4/2008
I got turned onto Boston Organics by a friend of mine. When we signed up for it, I had some apprehensions, since my brother told me that he had tried it, with little luck.
We also were outside the specific delivery area, but on the line with East Boston/Winthrop so I had to email them to ok it.
Nevertheless I signed up for the 29$ half/half box. And waited. Friday came(the allotted delivery date) and I found my box exactly where they had said it would be, on my back porch as specified in my isntructions.
I eagerly opened it, I think it felt like Christmas(I'm jewish so I have no idea what Christmas really feels like), but it did feel like opening a new toy...the anticipation, the surprise, the joy.
I won't detail the entirety of what was in the box, but let me tell you, it was definitely yummy. Still working on eating all the fruits and veggies, but they should easily last us the 2 weeks I set up between delivery boxes. -
Review from Allison L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
12/28/2009
I was a customer of a similar service in Austin, so I was excited to try Boson Organics. I get the Dogma Box every 2 weeks. The Dogma Box contains produce sourced as close as possible to Boston. Because of this, you can't have a "No" list like with the other boxes.
I've been very happy with the Dogma Box, even though it's winter and there is understandably less produce available in the area. I've been getting awesome greens, root vegetables, squash, etc. It's been a little lacking on the fruit, but hey, it's important to me to cut down on the amount of stuff I eat that's shipped halfway across the world.
For me, the best part is not having to spend a crazy amount of time in the grocery store debating which produce is better for the planet--should I get the organic apple from New Zealand or the conventionally-grown one from New England? My values align with Boston Organics', so I let them do the thinking for me. I also get to try new things--parsnips and celery root are my new favorites!
It is a little expensive, but this blog entry by the founder of BO explains a lot. I HIGHLY recommend everyone read this:
http://bit.ly/5sv2U8
With Boston Organics, you are not just buying food. You are helping them re-build the local food economy and supply chains, which have been destroyed by big agribusiness. I am happy to support them. -
Review from Lauren W.
Boston, MA
6/14/2007
I LOVE LOVE LOVE BO! Boston Organic takes on a whole new meaning to the smelly version'd acronym!
My husband and I have been receiving our $27 50/50 veggies/fruit box every other week for about two months now! It's amazing! It's the perfect amount of produce for us for two weeks.
The amount of produce that we get for $27 is crazy. If I was to go to my local Whole Foods and grab all of this organic produce it would at least cost me double.
Their customer service is great too! Last delivery two of my oranges were bruised and just didn't look appetizing. I sent them an email and they replied right away saying they would replace them in our next delivery.
If you don't live near the city but work in the city you could always have it dropped off at your office. That's what my husband's boss did for awhile. If you can't tell, I definitely recommend giving Boston Organics a try! -
Review from Molly S.
Dorchester, MA
11/21/2007
I've been with Boston Organics for about a year and a half and I've never had a problem. Once, maybe twice I've received a "not so fresh" item, but I wasn't expecting them to be perfect.
The customer service is top-notch, I always have to cancel on them and they take it in stride. Absolutely no pressure to order more, or more often. They'll take what they can get, and do it right.
When I alerted them that I was moving, they came and picked the box up, which I thought was very smart on their part. Otherwise that shit would get lost or broke in the move.
I think their add ons (especially around the Holidays) are a wonderful service. They're very considerate and conscious to offer such a thing.
I've been getting the $27 box for a long time, because I've learned that my household just can't eat anymore than that per week. We've gone from all fruit to all veggies to everywhere in between. $27 might be expensive, but I trust them to bring me the best, and the "bringing" part is very important to me - saves me the hassle. Worth it. -
Review from Michelle P.
Washington, DC
12/23/2007
I gotta give thanks to Boston Organics because it was a google search for organic produce that originally led me to Yelp. But it wasn't until this month that I actually signed up for their service because I'll be damned if I'm carrying any more groceries than I absolutely have to over the non-shoveled sidewalks of Somerville. Happily, my box o' fruits and veggies have been perfectly delightful!
http://doesabodygood.b... -
Review from Jonathan G.
Cambridge, MA
6/4/2007
Maybe it was the time of the year, maybe it was the fact that I am cheap, or the fact that I eat more fruit than the average human being, but I did not think that this was a tremendously good deal. Too much money, and a small amount of only slightly above average quality fruit.
We got the small box, and yes, there was a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. But one mango, two apples, two oranges, a pint of strawberries, etc. was just not enough to split with someone else, and it was too expensive for just me.
In fact, I am not entirely sure who this appeals to. This is the same quality vegetables that you can find at Whole Foods, so am I just paying for them to put it in a box and bring it to me? And if I am so hung up on getting solely Organic Foods, shouldn't I be upset at the laziness of having someone drive it in a van over to me? Or is it the fact that now someone else is choosing my fruit and vegetable intake for me, which might get me out of vegetable ruts, assuming I am in one?
Cool idea, but just not that practical in reality. -
Review from Paul S.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2007
Boston organics delivers fresh vegetables and fruit to your door. I just got my first order last week, and, aside from the little worm poking his head out of one cork stalk, everything was delicious and wonderful.
They sell small, medium and large boxes and you can choose mostly veg, 50/50 or mostly fruit.
Very cool. -
Review from Terri P.
Boston, MA
11/16/2007
OK-I was going to wait to post on these guys. BUTTTTT, today was my third delivery-I get a 37 dollar box of veggies per week. I scrutinized the NO list b/c I'm doing this total detox thang and many veggies are not allowed. Don't ya know my first box included half of crap I can't eat (now this is temporary but still almost 40 bucks for ALLOT of stuff I had to throw out) OK so cust service was good and made sure my replacements were sufficient the next week. However, I kept looking at the stuff thinkin-THIS is 37 dollars worth? ok take away 5 bucks maybe 7 for service... 30 bucks?????
Well, from a quality standpoint-FABU. I love the local thing-I really want to support these guys--i try as much as possible to get to the copley market but it's inconvenient since I moved. and now they are closed for the season (plus tues and fri are not at all convenient for me).
OK, so today i get my order. WAIT, spinach, Kale, lettuce, 6 small apples 5 onions, 3 green peppers, celery, 2 cucumbers, 8 almost green roma tomatoes...THAT's it. I'm trying to rationalize this; convenience, support etc but their actual box for this week WOULD have included:
1 Avocados
1 Bell Peppers
1 Butternut Squash*
2 lbs Carrots*
1 Cauliflower
1 Cucumbers
2.5 lbs Garnet Yams
1 5oz Herb Salad Mix
1.5 lbs Onions
1 lbs Purple Top Turnips*
1 bunch Red Kale*
1 8oz White Mushrooms
2 lbs Yukon Potatoes*
Not sure if this was a fair trade off....
My plan: Iwill go to whole foods Mon night or Tuesday and purchase essentially the same stuff and see what that nets.
All in all-they have a great business plan for the busy pro without a car but I now have access to a car and not sure if I can justify the uber price. I'm truly pissed about the almost green tomatoes as I planned to make a vegan brussetta tonight.(god I HATE this diet)
So I'm sorry for the 3 stars-I go to whole foods quite a bit but I have a choice there-damn I hate kale. I want to lOVE this company I do, I don't mind the extra cost really but ugh. AND keep in mind this is organic food-refridge immediately. I thought Icould get away with keeping on my back porch which gets pretty nippy-rotten in a few days. oh what a waste
Oh, another bonus, you can order all sorts of extas for the holiday-I wish I could eat the breads and bakery goods (this is prob the BEST bonus-esp I insist if you don't have a car-think about the cost of a zip car) as well as organic coffee and other goodies. So for me, given my current diet restrictions it ain't so good but give it a shot-if you're open to whatever is in the box that week-I think you'll be fine. -
Review from Katrina L.
Cambridge, MA
1/20/2010
I LOVEEE Boston Organics. I get the biweekly $24 half half fruits vegetables. Its enough for just me, though its hard to get through the vegetables when I'm out of town so much!
Aside from the standard reasons of local being great, organic being great, I also love it because it makes you have to be so creative to use the produce and explore cooking!!
The customer service is also amazing, I frantically called them at least 2 times about this key or that key and they were very helpful, sent me an email once when my key didn't work to make sure that my produce wasn't spoiled outside-- this place is a dream, a dream, and you should sign up. TODAY. -
Review from Quel M.
Allston-Brighton, MA
12/3/2010
I signed up for this service a few months ago because I realized that if I don't have fresh vegetables waiting for me at home, then I will just order Thai food delivery every night. And I usually don't have a ton of vegetables hanging around because Whole Foods can get overwhelming on a weekday evening.
Overall, I'm really happy with the produce I've received. Just about everything has been fresh. I was a little sad after the first delivery because I was expecting some grapes and they never showed. Luckily, the customer service was outstanding and I squealed a little when I saw how many extra goodies I received in the next shipment.
But what I really love about this service is that I've been forced to learn about fruits and vegetables. To be honest, I had no clue what was in season, or what kinds of stuff you could find at a local farm. I'm a slow learner, but Boston Organics certainly helps. Plus, I had no idea what to do with a lot of the vegetables I received. It's fun to sit here at work and google recipes that I can make using whatever vegetables came in my box this week. And now I'm slightly addicted to cooking greens.
I feel guilty about the not-so-local fruit, but I'm sitting here eating a banana Peru, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying it.
I'm sure I'll stick with this service for awhile. I look forward to seeing what arrives in my box when the weather isn't so cold. -
Review from Jenna P.
Boston, MA
6/8/2010
I must say, it's really fun getting a big green box of delicious goodies dropped off biweekly. When I get home from work, I open the box with excitement to see what new things I will get to try next.
Some of the common items include bananas, Valencia oranges, minneolas, white or red grapefruits, beets...
Other times, you get things like sprouts and micro greens, chard, kale, etc.
I like the fact that they deliver and automatically charge me, but most of the produce is coming from pretty far away so I am a little confused on how we are supporting local.. yes, it's organic and SOME of the things come from NY, MA, NH, ME and VT but on rare occasions. But I do think they make their best effort to support local farms.
They also allow you to add-on items that you don't need every time such as a bag of onions, cheese, breads, etc
I am still not really convinced on getting a lot for my money. I got a few discrepancies on a couple of my orders and the last box I got had a few bruised onions, soon to be moldy peach and a an all around skimpy box. The reason for the 4th star is that they have fixed the problem by refunding the amount on my next order or giving me extra produce the next time.
I think the key factor here is getting the convenience of having produce delivered to your doorstep and who doesn't love that? -
Review from Eve L.
Brighton, MA
10/22/2007
I've just signed up for Boston Organics, for 1 small box ($27) every two weeks. We'll see if that proves to be sufficient.
So far, however, I like it. Contrary to what some people here have posted, the veggies are distinctly fresher than what you get even at Whole Foods - and better priced, if you shop WF's organic line. Also, Boston Organics sends you recipes, which is great. This week's veggie was a big head of the freshest cauliflower I've ever seen - much better than anything I've seen at WF or any other grocery store - and it came with a great, easy recipe.
We're taking the money we spend at Boston Organics out of what we normally spend on groceries, but having someone pick fresh veggies and fruits and deliver them to your door with a recipe really inspires you to cook more fresh foods. -
Review from Lisa M.
Boston, MA
2/25/2010
I abolutely love this company. I get fresh organic produce brought to my door, as well as other organic groceries. If you don't like anything in particular, you can put it on a No List and you won't receive it again unless you change your mind, and you can halt your deliveries for as long as you want and then pick up again when you want. I found that with the CSAs, I ended up throwing away a lot of stuff unnecessarily.
I joined back in November and I am very pleased with the service, and there hasn't been a mistake made yet!!
LOVE THIS COMPANY!!!! -
Review from Nick C.
Somerville, MA
2/6/2009
Regular grocery store produce is hit or miss and Whole foods is full of wedgies waiting to happen so this is really your best bet.
Good produce, 2 deliveries down and produce has been in good shape. I've got the $29 1/2 & 1/2 box. I wish I could afford it every week, that would really be the perfect amount for two people, but the cost does add up.
I like the fact that they make it up the contents for me, this way I change up my diet and try new things. Its like listenning to Sirius instead of your iPod, I dont have to make the playlist, they do it for me.
I'm not into the organics so much, really not a big deal to me so my only suggestion would be to offer a non-organic box, this would make it cheaper, and you could still keep it local. Not sure if there would be a market though. -
Review from Carrie M.
Arlington, MA
9/24/2009
I was a subscriber in the past and recently moved back into their delivery zone and decided to sign up again. I am totally aware that I could probably go to the store and but everything for less than what they charge, but the thing is, I probably won't go.
For $29/week I get a crate of 1/3 fruit & 2/3 veggies delivered to my door. I can tell them everything I don't want in general (like bananas) or even just for right now (apples, since I just went apple picking). The delivery makes it so that I always have fruits & veggies on hand and definitely makes me eat in way more than out, which is fantastic. The small crate lasts two of us all week, which is perfect.
One of the things I enjoy the most is being able to try stuff I never would have bought on my own. One week it was some weird green similar to kale, recently it was dandelion greens.
So far I'm loving the service and convenience. I haven't had any problems with what I've received, but I know from the past that they work to correct it on your next delivery. Right now I'm definitely a fan and I can see this increasing as the cold winter months come and I have yet another excuse not to leave the house. -
Review from Niki M.
Boston, MA
4/29/2010
In an attempt to introduce more fresh produce into my daily what-have-you, I've finally come around and opened an account with Boston Organics.
Today, my friends, was my first delivery. I opted for the dogma box, mostly because I was curious (and am sort of doing this locavore challenge for a 40/40/40 earth day work thing).
Today, my friends, was the day I realized how very little I know about vegetables (particularly tubers). I didn't recognize half the produce, but where some people would freak out a little, I kind of squealed in intrigued delight. What can I say, I love a little detective work. (Of course, AFTER I figured out what was what, I realized that the Boston Organics website has a handy list that they update with what is, more or less, in each of the boxes. Heh)
Still, I've just done a bunch of research on what to do with jerusalem artichokes and black radishes, and I am stoked. The parsnips and carrots were like beautiful, unearthed bundles of rooted joy; I can't wait to devour them.
I decided to try a mixed box of fruit and veggies for my next shipment, to see how I like that. If the list (on their website) is any indication, I'm sure I won't be disappointed. I love culinary adventuring, particularly when it supports the fair trade/local/organic scene. -
Review from Aretha B.
Aquinnah, MA
7/9/2007
I would like to give them 3.5 stars but I'll err more generously.
I have received two shipments from them. The $27 box that is 2/3 fruit 1/3 veggies. I don't know if it was exactly worth it (as opposed to just going to whole foods and buying the same and picking it out myself). In both boxes I received there were just about 27 different items I received... so each item averaged out at about a dollar a piece. That means each carrot, each apricot, each banana (and alternately, each pineapple and (teeny) box of blueberries) were a dollar each too.
There is some novelty to getting some nice fresh produce delivered to your doorstep. It motivates you to really cook and eat all those fruit and veggies, and kind of forces you to be more creative with your materials at hand.
I have canceled my subscription after 2 shipments because there is not a tremendous value for me after trying it. I must say though, that most of the things they've sent me were quite flavorful and delicious. Customer service is always good too. -
Review from jen m.
Somerville, MA
12/17/2007
The price doesn't bother me so much since I don't have to slog the food up the hill to my home. And if I had to choose between getting all my produce at either my local Shaw's or B.O. I'd choose B.O. in a heartbeat.
But... The fruits & veggies we get tend to be, well, unexciting. They are run-of-the-mill & every week it's the same- apples, oranges, bananas, a few potatoes, onions, a zucchini or a broccoli, maybe a few other things. We used to get kale every week until we asked to never get it again. There's not much variety & we always have to supplement since the items we get don't always go together.
Also, I'd love it if more of the food were local & seasonal to our area. When we do get local food (berries in summer, some roots in fall) they come in very small amounts.
My roommate & I have been sharing a small box every 2 weeks & don't use up everything we get. Probably because we're jaded, having seen the same stuff in every box. We've also had the problem of our produce going bad more quickly than we expect- one other reviewer pointed out that it's because Somerville gets our delivery late in the week. That might also explain why we get such humdrum selections.
Next year we'll be doing a CSA instead. -
Review from Katie W.
Brighton, MA
10/3/2008
What a wonderful service!
The food is always of the highest quality (except earlier this year, when I forgot to leave a cooler with ice packs on the porch and my lettuce got all hot and wilty) and their customer service is really great.
I have cilantro on my "no-list" because I absolutely hate the taste. By accident, a bunch appeared in my last delivery. I contacted Christina at Boston Organics to make sure my list was updated. She was more than accommodating and apologetic. She made sure that my list was correct and included a TON of extra produce in my next delivery as a bonus.
I love having new and interesting veggies delivered and coming up with creative new recipes to make good use of everything. 12 different varieties of vegetables went into the soup I made last night from my delivery and it is GOOD. -
Review from G N.
Charlestown, MA
11/10/2008
I've been ordering the 1/2 fruit 1/2 veggie box from Boston Organics every other week for abut 2 months now. So far so good. I did it so that I could start cooking and eating a variety of fruit and veggies, rather than picking up the same old stuff at the grocery store every single time. I try to be self-suficient with what is delivered, but it's not always possible. I supplement it with a quick run to the grocery store that costs me less than $10.
I get a box every other week, and that has been sufficient. In a 2 person household that eats only dinner at home, it's been perfect. There's enough veggies for 9-10 dinners, and enough fruit for dessert and snacks.
The quality of the produce is really good. Plus nothing beats having stuff delivered to your doorstep! -
Review from Jennifer R.
Arlington, MA
9/25/2010
I have been using Boston Organics for over a year, and it still feels like magic that fresh fruit shows up at my door every 2 weeks.
Since you never know far in advance what exactly will be in your box that week, this service is not a good fit for people who really like to plan all their meals. But if you're flexible about what you get, then it's a delight.
The produce is fresh, delicious, and I feel like $29 goes a lot farther through them than it would for organic goods through Whole Foods.
Every so often, something goes awry: the peaches haven't been good this year, one time my spinach had bugs in it, but every time I encounter a problem, I call them and they do a great job at making up for it. -
Review from starbuck d.
Cambridge, MA
6/14/2008
I have really enjoyed having my food delivered to my home. I try to shop at Whole Foods for organic produce, but I simply can't leave there without burning a huge hole in my wallet. Granted, my wallet is tiny because I'm a cat, but it still hurts when I shop there.
Boston Organics has been really easy to use. I adjust my orders online each week and I enjoy being surprised with what I get. The peaches and nectarines have been amazing this spring. I'm looking forward to more local produce. -
Review from Nicole V.
4/12/2011
I have been dyinggggg to review Boston Organics but I've been holding out for a few deliveries. After today, I'm doing it!
I'm in love.
Yes, it could be cheaper, but I feel like I get a great value. I did join during a good produce season so maybe I won't be as in love come winter, but for now I'm smitten.
For $29 I get a box of 50/50 every other week. This week I got:
a HUGE thing of lettuce; it intimidates me
decent sized bag of carrots
Easter Egg potatoes! (mini mixed color potatoes - still trying to come up with something clever for all 2 lbs of them)
2 cucumbers
a pint of cherry tomatoes
4 pears (2 types)
a bunch of insanely sized bananas (one is over a foot long - I should take a picture)
6 oranges (2 or 3 different types)
2 kiwis
Last delivery I added on meyer lemons which made some of the best chicken picatta ever and blood oranges that I seriously regret not ordering this time.
It's all so good. I'm still eating some of my stuff from the last delivery and loving it. It's a perfect amount for me while living on my lonesome. If I went to the grocery store I probably could find most of the stuff cheaper but I love Boston Organics for many other reasons.
Let's list them:
A. It gets delivered to my door. It truly doesn't get any easier than that. Plus I don't have to carry it home!
B. They are local when they can be, which I appreciate. I would love to say I buy all local, but I need me some citrus!
C. I really don't care about being organic (sorry), it's all about convenience! And I would muuuuch rather pay a little extra for this business than for PeaPod.
D. The "No List". You can go on the website and update things you never want to receive at any time. I hate apples and now I never get any! Yayyyyy. (Warning: you can't make a "No List" for the all local "Dogma" box)
E. I love the grocery store; really love it. As such I spend a fortune every time I go. With fresh produce delivered to me every other week I don't go nearly as often and save a TON of money.
F. I always have fresh snacks. No more temptation to buy chips when I know I'm getting a ton of oranges!
G. When I added on the blood oranges last delivery I had enough fruit to eat two pieces a day for TWO WEEKS. That alone is worth the price.
H. I get deliveries on Tuesday and don't get charged until Friday. This is so that if I have any complaints they won't charge the full price or they'll come up with a way to make up for it until you're charged. I LOVE great customer service.
I. I don't want to stop listing reasons, but I will for the sake of anyone still reading this review. -
Review from Alexis B.
Boston, MA
9/8/2009
I wish I could give 5 stars. I really do. They deserve 5 stars for service and ease, but the products are just not good.
I was so excited for this when I stumbled across it. We got the 2/3 Veggie/Fruit box.
Unfortunately when we recieved it about half of the products were damaged or going bad. So when it came down to it I was throwing away half the box.
Maybe it was because we ordered in Feb-April. Maybe I'll give it another shot one day....
