A Few Markets Open This Week, Before Christmas

By Jeannie Boutelle
December 20, 2011 at 9:04 am

It’s a short local calendar this week, farmers need a rest every now and then and they have families as well and lots of things to do before Christmas. There are a few markets open that you can take advantage of to get fresh local produce! Happy holidays to all.

WHAT TO BUY NOW

Since we are moving into winter, vegetable-wise, look for the last of the cold friendly fall crops like greens, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, rocket, lettuces, spinach, and radishes. Continue to stock up for the rest of the winter with potatoes, garlic, onions, squash and the roots like turnips, beets, rutabagas, etc.  Other items you may still find include leeks, sunchokes, and hearty herbs like cilantro, sage, and thyme.

WHERE TO FIND LOCAL FOODS

These stores specialize in local foods:

City Provisions Deli in Ravenswood, Chicago

Downtown Farmstand in the Loop, Chicago

Green Grocer in West Town, Chicago

Dill Pickle Coop in Logan Square, Chicago

Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park

Butcher and Larder in Noble Square, Chicago

WHAT TO DO NOW

December 20

Chicago - The Hide-Out Holiday Sale – 6-9pm 1354 W. Wabansia A chance to buy the Soup and Bread Cookbook by Martha Bayne and Sheila Sachs for that last minute Christmas present. The Hide-Out has a whole line-up of local artisans of food, crafts and more.

December 21

Chicago - Green City Market – Last chance to stock up on local produce and good things before the holidays! You will now find the market in its cheery, winter home at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.  Expect a wide range of cold weather produce, breads, canned goods, pasta, and confections –  8 AM – 1 PM There is an ATM in the building which makes is really helpful since there is such a variety of items available!

Elburn - Heritage Prairie Farm Holiday Market – 9-3pm 2N308 Brundage Road The farm market is home to a variety of products, raw and infused honey, seasonally grown produce, milk, eggs, meat and cheese. During the holidays they offer custom gift wrapping and unique baskets.

December 22

Elburn - Heritage Prairie Holiday Market – 9-6pm 2N308 Brundage Road

December 23

Elburn – Heritage Prairie Holiday Market – 9-6pm 2N308 Brundage Road

December 24

Elburn – Heritage Prairie Holiday Market – 9-6pm 2N308 Brundage Road

Elgin - Elgin Winter Market – 166 Symphony Way (right across the street from Centre -Kimball/Douglas) – 8 AM – 2 PM

Geneva - Geneva Green Market – The market has moved to a new location, 27 N. Bennett (Geneva Place) – 9 AM – 1 PM

SAVE THE DATE!

March 15-17

Chicago Good Food Festival – More soon!