October Chicago Area Farmers Market Update

This section in Natural Awakenings Chicago focuses much of its local food reporting on the benefits and joys of shopping at farmers markets. This may be old news for many readers that are farmers market regulars. For those that are not, we encourage giving it a try: The experience of enjoying super-fresh, locally produced, healthy food—much of it grown with environmentally sustainable practices—could make someone a convert.

This is especially timely as autumn arrives and opportunities to visit local farmers and enjoy their fresh produce begin to wane. Most of the more than 100 farmers markets in the Chicago region remain open as of October 1. By Halloween, all but a handful of the seasonal outdoor markets will have closed for the year.

Early in the month, shoppers can enjoy the transitional season, when both late summer and early fall crops are in abundance. According to the University of Illinois Extension, produce typically available in an average October includes: apples, bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, grapes, greens, herbs, horseradish, lettuce, okra, onions, peas, plums, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and turnips.

Because every year and every season can differ, shoppers seeking specific items are encouraged to start checking early.

Local Food Forum publishes a regularly updated Chicago Region Farmers Market Tracker to help plan visits. We also recommend downloading Illinois Extension’s Illinois... What’s in Season chart for year-round reference. Find nearby markets on Illinois Farmers Market Association's website.

Bob Benenson is the writer and publisher of Local Food Forum, a Chicago-based publication that maintains a regional farmers market tracker and covers the markets regularly. For more information, visit LocalFoodForum.com.