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Shoppers are Farmers Market-Ready Despite Roller-Coaster April Weather

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read

Warmer Weather Looms as May — and Multiple Market Openings — Near



Green City Market drew lots of customers on April 19 despite the meh weather. Photo by Bob Benenson
Green City Market drew lots of customers on April 19 despite the meh weather. Photo by Bob Benenson

"April is the cruelest month," wrote T.S. Eliot in his poem The Waste Land. That sentiment may ring true for Chicagoans hoping for a nice, steady temperature rise toward the outdoors season.


So far this spring has mainly alternated between above-average, near summerlike warmth and below average chill.


This past Friday, the temperature soared to near 80, producing atmospheric conditions that abetted a slugfest at Wrigley Field in which the Cubs defeated Arizona, 13-11, despite a bullpen meltdown that produced a 10-run 8th inning for the Diamondbacks.


By Saturday, visitors to Chicago's Green City Market experienced a misty, foggy, raw morning that — as the above photo shows — featured lots of big coats (and one guy in shorts).


In practical terms for local food fans, the below-average temperatures mean a slower-than-we'd-like start to the region's growing season. Ramps, consistently the first major market crop, are reasonably abundant and I got some beautiful Bacchus radishes from friend Jerry Boone of Froggy Meadow Farm (Beloit, Wisconsin). Otherwise, it's a lot of bountiful storage crops from fall's harvest, and anxiously awaiting asparagus.


Nonetheless, the crowds in Green City Market's aisles signal that our local food community is ready, and they will be more broadly served soon. The last of the region's April openings — at The Lincoln Park Farmers Market in Chicago and the Frankfort Country Market in the city's south suburbs — are opening this coming weekend, and the season quickly accelerates next week with the arrival of May.


Here's my small-ish haul from Green City Market on Saturday: Evercrisp apples from Mick Klug Farm (St. Joseph, Michigan); ramps from Kagers Greens (North Judson, Indiana); those radishes from Froggy Meadow Farm; parsnips from Nichols Farm and Orchard (Marengo, Illinois); amazing English muffins from Dorothy's Bakery and baked doughnut holes from Daly's Donuts (both Chicago).


As for the weather, always look on the bright side of life. The worst thing that can happen to farmers this time of year. is a late killing frost. We've avoided that so far and the outlook gives no indication that this is a threat.


Typed with fingers crossed.


 



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