As the leaves start to change and the first chill hits Illinois, you can enjoy a bountiful end-of-year harvest of the following:
- Apples
- Grapes
- Pears
- Plums
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potatoes
From baked apples and pumpkin pecan pies to squash and carrot soups and stews, there are plenty of delicious and healthful recipes to be had this time of year.
Winter (December-February)
While fall sees the end of the harvest, you can still enjoy produce in Illinois that makes this chilly time of year much cozier. Stock up on these vegetables and you’re set for the winter:
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Carrots
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Turnips
With hearty Midwest classics like pot roasts with potatoes and carrots, stuffed cabbage, and creamy winter squash soup, you’ll stay cozy and fed all season long.
Tips for Finding and Using Seasonal Illinois Produce
Here are some tips to help you fully enjoy Illinois seasonal produce:
Finding a Local Farmers Market
To find a farmers market near you, turn to city websites or the Illinois Farmers Market Association directory. Here, you’ll find locations, hours, and a list of vendors to help you plan your shopping list.
Try to get there early so you can pick and choose from the best of the selection. Also, bring small bills or a card and pack a small cooler to make the most of your trip.
Subscribing to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
While it’s always great to hit up your weekly farmers market in peak season, there are other ways to get your hands on fresh produce in Illinois. One of them is subscribing to a CSA, a program where you pay up front for a share of a farmer’s future harvest.
When you opt for a CSA, you’ll get a weekly or biweekly box of local produce sent directly to your home or available for on-site pickup during the growing season. You can even choose add-ons like eggs or flowers to be delivered with your box.
Storing and Preserving Seasonal Produce
Storing and preserving your food properly can let you enjoy local seasonal foods throughout the year. Safely preserving your food can slow the spoilage process of your produce and help it retain its nutritional value, taste, color, and texture.
Here are a few ways you can store and preserve your produce:
- Store greens dry in bags.
- Keep roots unwashed in a cool, dark place.
- Leave tomatoes on the counter.
To preserve your extra produce, you can blanch and freeze it, pickle or can it, or even make a jam. While fresh seasonal produce is the more nutrient-dense choice, frozen and canned produce can still be nutritious options, perfect in the off-season.
Recipe Ideas for Each Season
Turn your seasonal finds into simple, balanced meals:
- Spring: Strawberries are some of the best fruits in season in Illinois during late spring. They’re versatile, too — you can put them in smoothies and cobblers, or pair them with savory dishes and vinaigrettes for a tasty, balanced meal. You can also toss fresh, springtime radishes, peas, and spinach with lemons and herbs, or make a rhubarb compote for yogurt.
- Summer: Summer is sweet corn season in Illinois, making it a great time to stock up on the delicious vegetable for your summer corn salads, grilled corn on the cob, and the classic Midwestern side dish, Southern-style creamed corn. You can also add corn, along with zucchini, to your tacos, or bake a berry crisp.
- Fall: Roast squash with sage and maple, simmer up an apple-onion chutney, or add broccoli to a hearty cheesy bake.
- Winter: Make a carrot-ginger soup, beet and cabbage chowder, or sheet-pan roots with garlic. You can place any leftovers into grain bowls or omelets for quick and easy next-day lunches.
Savor Illinois in Season, Simple and Balanced
Seasonal eating means peak flavor, more nutrients, lower costs, and real support for Illinois farmers and the local economy. Throughout the year, try to visit a nearby farmers market, pick out a new fruit or veggie, and add it to a salad, sheet-pan roast, or soup. You’ll find plenty of nutritious options that can promote a more balanced life.
When you want seasonal eating to feel easier year-round, turn to Doherty Nutrition. Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists can turn your market finds into fuss-free meals with personalized seasonal meal plans. We can help you with storage and preservation tips and CSA box strategies that work for your life. We also offer virtual nutrition counseling across Illinois.
To get started, book a consultation today.
