Every time I think I know what to expect at Market at the Square, someone shows up with something new. Case in point: early orange plums from Jeff Meyer of Villa Grove. Last Saturday, I bought a quart for five dollars and they were well-worth the cash. Sweet and slightly tart, these little orange beauties made a great little tart perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream — definitely summer at its best.
Despite the rain, again, the market was slammin’. You know the market is in full swing when shoppers are toting wagons full of produce through the crowded aisles. There were so many performers this past week that there was literally music around every corner, great to listen to while standing in line for the fresh picks. I think it has rained so often this summer that the locals have finally decided to dig out their umbrellas and hope for the best; after all it is sweet corn season.
Speaking of corn, as Lisa Bralts, director of the market, noted on her Market at the Square blog, the supply is a little shy right now, and it is a good idea to get to the farmer’s market before 10 a.m. if you want to get your hands on some ears.
The forecast this weekend is iffy, but we can expect to have plenty of peaches, nectarines, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, zucchinis, potatoes, green beans and so much more.
Market at the Square runs every Saturday from 7a.m.-noon, rain or shine now through Nov. 8. The farmer’s market is located in the parking lot of Urbana Square Mall on the corners of Vine and Illinois streets.