I want to personally welcome you to the 2024 Ravinia Farmers Market Season, which begins Wednesday, June 5, from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.! We’re thrilled to bring you another season of amazing local vendors, community organizations, musicians and artists, family activities and more. Walking through the Market is an exciting way to spend a morning or early afternoon, taking in the flavors and colors of the season, meeting friends and neighbors and relaxing. We are happy that you choose to support our local vendors and nusicians, and thank you for making the Ravinia Farmers Market an important part of your family’s weekly food choices.
With gratitude, I offer you my Market Manager’s tips for making the most of your weekly Market visit.
1. First and foremost, try to plan your weekly menus around what’s locally in season at the market. Bring a list to guide you in shopping wisely, and delight in unexpected market finds.
2. Arrive early for best selection as many seasonal items sell out quickly and you won’t want to miss out!
3. If possible, walk, ride your bike or take Metra to the Market to avoid looking for parking.
4. Bring cash (saves processing fees for local farmers and businesses). Some farmers market vendors also accept payment apps like Venmo and Zelle.
5. Bring re-usable bags and an insulated tote for your purchases. Extra points if you also bring “ice” to keep your produce fresh on a hot day and keep a cooler in your vehicle.
6. When you get home, immediately store your purchases to ensure maximum freshness. Most produce will store better if not washed before you refrigerate.
7. Walk the market first to discover what’s in season this week.
8. Buy local. Buy seasonal. Buy organic when possible.
9. Oddly shaped veggies, bumpy fruit and unevenly colored tomatoes are a part of nature, especially for organically grown produce, and are to be expected –even sought out–at a farmers market. Cosmetically perfect produce is a mass-produced grocery store commodity.
10. Whenever possible, take the entire vegetable home with you. Use veggie greens in salads, sautéed, tossed in stir fries and save trimmings for soup stock. Compost whatever is left.
11. Buy in bulk when possible. Be careful not to overbuy to avoid food waste. Most veggies are easy to freeze.
12. Know your farmer, know your food. Talk to the farmers and vendors. Hear their stories and learn about the produce and artisanal products. Ask questions, learn where and how your food was grown or crafted.
And most of all, enjoy your visit, and please tell your friends and neighbors about the Ravinia Farmers Market! We look forward to seeing you this season.
Naturally yours,
Ed Kugler
Ravinia Farmers Market Manager Taste Marketing, Inc., Founder
