It’s peak spring season at the Market at right now; it will be positively awash in fresh produce this weekend. It’s going to be warm and partly sunny, too, which goes a long way to enhancing one’s grocery-shopping experience in outdoor Urbana.
Here are a few other tips for maximizing your Market experience as the season progresses:
Remember the season. It’s late spring, which means that if you want local asparagus, time’s a-wastin’. Strawberries are peaking. Peas are happening now! If you’re looking for sweet corn or peaches, you’ll be waiting for another month or so, because that’s when their season begins. This is a great time to branch out and try things you’ve never tried before, which means you should…
Ask how to prepare it. Ask the growers what they do to prepare an unfamiliar green or heretofore un-purchased produce item. These folks eat the food they raise and know what to do with it!
Make the Market part of your weekly grocery shopping. Why? There’s fresh, local produce in abundance at the Market every week for 28 weeks, and you get the added bonus of being able to talk to someone who had something to do with its production. It’s a great place, too, to pick up the week’s bread or a dessert for a potluck, and there’s the added social bonus as well (running into friends, people-watching, etc).
This week’s produce: strawberries, blueberries, spinach, salad mix, lettuce, bok choy, cabbage, chard, cucumbers, hydroponic tomatoes, fresh herbs, lettuce, peas, asparagus (we’re nearing the end of asparagus season, so load up!), sprouts, turnips, kale, and probably a few surprises.
Also: frozen, farm-raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, goat cheese, and honey.
There’ll also be the usual assortment of fresh flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, arts and crafts, and performance.
Reminders:
- Fido and Spot are allowed at the Market, but dog owners must make themselves aware of the Market’s dog policy. Pick up your copy at the City tent.
- Illinois Public Media and The Urbana Free Library will both be at the Market this Saturday with information and activities for people of all ages.
- ArtMart will be open at 8 a.m. to better serve Market patrons.