August is the most wonderful time of the year to visit a farmers’ market. In previous months of this column, I’ve covered baked goods and food trucks — and without a doubt, you can find those at the markets this month, too, but right now, it is harvest time. The markets are bursting with vibrant produce, all grown here in Illinois. Tomatoes are at their best, and now we’re seeing watermelons, eggplants, garlic, onions, potatoes, and more on the farm tables.
Come along with me to see what’s at the markets.
Find baskets of okra at The Land Connection’s Champaign market from the farms Sola Gratia and Ben & Molly’s. At Urbana’s Market at the Square, okra’s for sale at Seldom Home Farm and Twin Acre Farm, too.
Sola Gratia Farm has grown the most amazing summer squash this season. It’s $3/pound, and the Urbana farm’s squash is bright yellow and firm. I’ve been making ratatouille with these on repeat, but they’d be delicious in any squash recipe.
Another must from Sola Gratia Farm is their garlic, which just started showing up at the markets. It’s way more fragrant and flavorful than the ones at the grocery, and I cannot pass by without a bulb or two.
If you’re looking for a farm that sells picture perfect produce, then peek at the tables of Twin Acre Farm out of Sadorus, Illinois. Every single jalapeño pepper was photo-ready last Saturday.
Three varieties of beautiful beets? Yes, please.
On Saturday, I bought two bunches of Twin Acre Farm’s carrots. Though the farmers will trim the leaves at checkout if you like, I decline because I love the way the fluffy tops poke out of my market basket. I’ve been eating carrots with French onion dip, and I enjoy the sweet flavor of these.
Put some onions in your shopping bag because market onions taste so good. Freshly picked, they pack a lovely flavor, and give reason to add onions to anything I’m cooking.
Tomatoes are basically everywhere at the markets this month, and that’s wonderful for all tomato-lovers. Fill up your basket with tomatoes and garnish every dish this week with chopped tomato.
As you can see, it’s also the start of watermelon season. These melons are from Green G Farm, which also has amazing fresh basil. Pro tip for melon-buyers: bring a wagon or save the watermelon purchase for the end of your market trip, so there’s no having to lug it through the market.
This month, we can find all kinds of melons. These are yellow melons called Sun Jewel by Ben & Molly’s Farm in Villa Grove.
Melons can’t stop, won’t stop this month. These cantaloupes were grown in Morton, Illinois by Roth Countryside Produce. Roth Countryside also sells tasty white onions, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Ope, there’s eggplants at the market, too.
Potatoes are really good in August. These red potatoes are from Koller Family Gardens, an Urbana Market at the Square vendor. The friendly farmers have great produce and are cash-only.
August is a good time for raspberries — if you can snag a carton.
Prairie Fruits Farm is at the Saturday market, too, selling their delicious cheeses. My favorites are the feta and chevre, and I love to eat PFF cheese with some sliced tomato for an easy summertime lunch.
Lastly, shop for kombucha at the Downtown Champaign market. Cloud Mountain Kombucha’s brews are on draft at nine places in Champaign-Urbana, but at the Tuesday market, Cloud Mountain sells bottles of their kombucha, and you can return bottles, too. If you’re not sure which to pick, go for the lemon balm ginger, which is one of their three Kombucha Kup award-winning kombucha flavors.
Urbana’s Market at the Square Info
The Urbana Market has been in continuous operation since 1979. The market runs from May 6th to October 28th, each Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. It’s located at the corner of Illinois and Vine in Urbana.
Forms of payment: Cash, credit, debit, or SNAP.
SNAP/LINK: Vendors selling LINK-eligible foods accept LINK tokens. Please visit Urbana’s Market at the Square website for specifics, or the information tent on site.
Parking: Free parking is available in the parking lots surrounding Lincoln Square Mall and the lot south of Illinois Street. Bike parking is also available at the entrances to the mall and at the bike corral area past the entrance to the Market off of Illinois.
Pets: No pets allowed. Please respect the market’s rules and leave your doggo at home.
Social Media: You can follow the Market on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sign up for weekly Market emails here
The Land Connection Champaign Farmers’ Market
The Land Connection’s Champaign Farmers’ Market is on their seventh year. The Champaign Market is open on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. starting on May 16th. The Champaign Farmers’ Market will take place in parking lot M in Downtown Champaign at Neil and Washington.
Forms of Payment: Pre-ordering, cash, credit cards, debit cards, or SNAP/EBT cards.
SNAP/LINK: All eligible vendors accept SNAP benefits through the LINK token program. Please visit The Land Connection website for specifics.
Parking: Metered parking is available in parking lot M or in the Hill Street Parking Deck.
Pets: Leashed doggies are welcome.
Social Media: Follow The Land Connection on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check the website for more information.
