Having trouble figuring out what to make from the items you’ve purchased at the market? Look no further – The Land Connection features a different recipe that highlights an in-season item that can be found at the market each week. We also have nutrition cards on each item so that you know just how good local produce is for your body, mind and soul. Want to receive these recipes in your inbox each week? Sign up for Farm Fresh Now to get the latest scoop on the featured recipe each week, or pick up a card at The Land Connection tent on Tuesday evening. Who wouldn’t want to try a rhubarb margarita, really?
2) Check out Vendor Variety
Sometimes decision overload, but in a good way – there is a TON of variety at the market. Even though not all produce is in season yet, there are still some hidden gems. PrairiErth has turnips that are so tender and sweet without even being cooked that they can go directly in a salad. Brian Severson Farm has an amazing recipe for lemon cornbread cake using flour and cornmeal that is stone ground on their farm. Prairie Fruits Farm has a goat’s milk “brie” called Angel Food – seriously heavenly. Stone Court Farm has food forest delicacies, rhubarb and herbs. I haven’t even gotten to the meat, flowers, baked goods, plants, and strawberries at the Market. We’re continually adding new vendors each week too – this week we’re adding Legacy of the Land and Meyer Produce. Pick up all sorts of delicious delicacies, support your local farmer, and give yourself a happy belly.
Don’t forget to try something funky and new – the market is home to items you normally can’t find at the grocery store. Expand your horizons! Also, if you’ve ever purchased produce from the market, you know it lasts so much longer than what you purchase at the grocery store. It’s a win win!
3) Did someone say samples?
Always curious about trying a turnip? Not sure what might pair well with tarragon? Curious about what the difference is between farmers’ market produce and grocery store produce? That’s right – free samples. We’ll be featuring products from vendors throughout the Market season. Visit the sampling booth, right next to The Land Connection booth, for a little slice of central Illinois produce heaven!
4) Visit the Community Tent
Throughout the season, we’ll have all sorts of activities happening at the market. Most recently, we had bike parking in the market in partnership with Neutral Cycle and Yelp CU, Three Spinners made yarn dolls for Syrian refugees, the City of Champaign and WEFT. Coming up, Carle will be coming out with their ambulance and provide free blood pressure screenings (next week – 31st), Visit Champaign County and much more. Also, the Orpheum Children’s Museum will be out each week with different children’s activities. Get to know what’s happing in your community!
5) Make Tuesday a special night – a farmers’ market date night, or night in!
With food trucks such as Piato To Go frequenting the market each week, why not make the Champaign Farmers’ Market your dinner destination? Stop by a food truck, visit a local downtown restaurant, and swing through the market on your way and pick up your favorite goodies, or something new. Use the market as an opportunity to have a special date night out or bring fresh ingredients home to cook a new or favorite dish in. Treat you and your loved ones to all the goodness the market can offer.
Don’t miss out on all the great things the Champaign Farmers’ Market has to offer this season – make the MOST out of your market experience! We’re also offering DOUBLE Link tokens – up to $20 spent is matched ($20 for $40 to spend!). And don’t forget – if it’s raining, pull out your rain boots, jacket and umbrellas, and please consider supporting your local farmers on rainy days because the market is happening rain or shine. Your farmers will thank you for your support (and so will your stomach). We hope to see you every Tuesday until the end of October 🙂
Join our recurring Facebook event to get reminders about the Market each week!
