First off, today is a market day in Downtown Champaign — in case you want to see some of these goods in real life. Also I want to point out the perseverance of our C-U farmers’ markets because lately it’s been pretty brutal weather-wise. Rain, shine, or smoky skies, farmers and bakers still showed up to give Champaign-Urbana a vibrant market of fresh vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, meat, desserts, pantry goods, and more.
This month at the market, we see the first crops of peaches, tomatillos, eggplants, and sweet corn, and there’s berries, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and yellow squash out there, too. I’m sharing where to find sugar snap peas, special seasonings, and a bounty of baked goods. Grab your basket and canvas bags and shop the markets this month: Urbana on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon and the Champaign market from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.
At the Champaign market, a fun stop for a home cook is Alexander’s Primetime Seasonings & Rubs tent. The vendor was friendly and really chatty about spices, and since I was convinced that he knew what he was talking about, I bought two shakers ($11). Last week, his chicken seasoning mix took my chicken tacos up a notch without having to get out a bunch of different spices. One shake sprinkled garlic powder, paprika, cilantro, oregano, black pepper, and seasoned salt. The other seasoning was garlic and herb, a blend of garlic and onion powder with four dried herbs, and that’s been a great addition to my spice drawer because it goes well with pretty much any dish. Not into those blends? Find the spice tent on a Tuesday afternoon and ask what seasonings might be right for you and your kitchen.
Is it even summer in Illinois without buying sweet corn out of a pickup truck?
Look at these pretty peaches from Mileur Orchard. When I was at the market on Saturday, I spoke with a peach seller who mentioned this year’s bad weather and its devastating effect on peach crops nationwide. This is a good reminder of the fleeting joy of seasonal produce, and that when we see peaches at the market, we should buy some — especially this month because there won’t be as many peaches available as usual this season.
On Saturday mornings, Mileur Orchard also sells a variety of stone fruit as well as apples by the bag, all grown in Murphysboro, Illinois.
One of the tables near the entrance of the Saturday market is Green G Farm, a farm that grows vegetables used in dishes at the Lao-Thai restaurant Sticky Rice. The farm offers salad greens, beans, herbs, and more. I heard a customer talking about how good the basil was here, so I bought a bundle for $3. I made a tasty pesto out of the aromatic basil, and that lady was right: the farm’s basil was really good.
I also bought a handful of good-looking sugar snap peas ($6 per pound) from Green G Farm. With just a bit of butter in a pan, these had a great snap and a little garden sweetness, making an excellent summer side dish.
It’s tomato season, which means tomatoes taste really good right now. We can find tomatoes at several Urbana market tables. Put locally grown tomaters on salads, sandwiches, or just slice them up and eat with some cheese.
If you want big, honkin’ broccoli, then stop by Ben & Molly’s Farm table. I love broccoli, and the Villa Grove farm’s broccoli is awesome. It’s humongous, like bigger than my head. What’s best is that the farmers pick it the day before the market, so it’s extremely fresh and unlike grocery store broc, it’s not wrapped in plastic. Spot the farm at both markets and use their baskets to shop the produce on their black-and-white checkered tablecloth tables.
At the Tuesday farmers’ market, try T’s Random Snacks. This new home-based business sells baked goods made with the usual gluten and butter, but they also offer gluten-free and vegan options as well.
I bought rice crispy treats for $2 each, and they were satisfyingly packed with marshmallow. The cereal was crisp and crunchy, and the treat had a perfect pull-apart, gooey stretch. T’s Random Snacks also sells lemonade, cookies, pound cake, brownies, popcorn, and more on Tuesday afternoons at the market.
Before hosting weekend guests, I filled my basket with a bounty of market desserts including the Central Illinois Bakehouse chocolate croughnut, a crowd pleaser. Cakes & Bakes by Kate is occasionally at the market under Ben & Molly’s Farm tent, next Urbana appearance on July 22nd. I love the strawberry pop-tarts ($5), and her apple pie ($8) was summer dessert perfection. I also bought Six Red Chairs‘ cinnamon koiugn amnn, blueberry muffin, and a peach scone, all of which were easy to cut and so delicious.
Finally, when I want something hot and savory at the Urbana market, I like to buy Stango Cuisine‘s beef pie ($6) and eat it as I wander. The minced beef filling has a stinging heat that builds, but the bright spiciness is quelled by the buttery pastry. This super flavorful Zambian snack is a great on-the-go market breakfast.
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.
