I hadn’t been to Daley Plaza Farmers Market in a while, so I popped in this morning. Nichols Farm and Orchard (Marengo, Illinois) has participated in this market — the flagship of the Chicago City Markets system — for decades. And since they are the region’s largest diversified produce grower, I decided they’d be a great platform for a photo essay about the bounty of our area’s peak summer growing season.
With National Farmers Market Week kicking off this Sunday, I hope the following further whets your appetite to get to a market and support our local farmers. Keep scrolling to see this weekend’s regional farmers market schedule.
The first picture is of a cherry tomato variety with which I wasn’t previously familiar. It is called Sweet Treat, and the people who gave it that name ain’t lying. Probably the sweetest tomato I’ve ever eaten. I bought some, but I hope Nichols has them this weekend, because this batch is not going to last long.
Lake Bluff Farmers Market, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sheridan Rd. & E. Scranton Ave.
St. Charles Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave.
The Market by the River, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 333 W. Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago
Batavia Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., N. River St. betw. Willow and Spring
Deerfield Farmers Market, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Park Avenue between Jewett Park & Hazel
Green City Market West Loop, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mary Bartelme Park, 115\ S. Sangamon St.
Kankakee Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., S. Schuyler Ave. & Merchant St.
Mercado de Colores, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4345 W. 26th St.
Plant Chicago Mini-Market, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4459 S. Marshfield Ave., Chicago*
*Plant Chicago holds a full-scale market in Davis Square Park every 3rd Saturday of the month and mini-markets on other Saturdays. In other weeks, Plant Chicago holds a mini-market at 4459 S. Marshfield Ave. in Chicago. The next full market will be held on Aug. 19.
Farmers Market at the Dole, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 401 Country Club Rd., Crystal Lake
Frankfort Country Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Breidert Green & 1 N. White St.
Glenwood Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Glenwood Ave. betw. Morse & Lunt, Chicago
Hyde Park Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1516-1528 E. 54th St., Chicago
Maxwell Street Market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 800 S. Desplaines St., Chicago
Pilsen Community Market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1821 S. Blue Island Ave., Chicago