 Enjoy the bounty from Southeastern Illinois farms and gardens at local markets where farmers still sell their seasonal crops of fruits and vegetables directly to customers.
Have fun exploring each market and discovering the most flavorful farm-fresh produce, including sweet corn, tomatoes, green beans, carrots, squash, cucumbers, apples, peaches and more!
Picking the perfect piece of fruit or the freshest vegetables is easy, too -- if you know what to look for. Here are a few tips for some popular favorites:
Cucumbers
Make sure they are green all over and not too big. Yellow streaks mean a bitter gherkin.
Corn
Peel the shuck back and gently use the pad (not the nail) of your thumb to press the kernels; if they give under pressure the ear will be sweet. Avoid shriveled kernels.
Peaches
Look for a uniform, rosy color. Soft spots mean trouble, but tiny holes or brown spots are all right.
Squash
Bigger, in the case of squash, isn't better. Yellow squash under six inches long can be eaten raw (but keep in mind, the big fellows do make excellent relish).
Tomatoes
They should be bright red all over and free from cracks and worm damage. The skin should be firm, not mushy.
Cantaloupe
The ripe cantaloupe is golden all over -- if the ridges are green, the fruit isn't ripe. And cantaloupe won't ripen off the vine, like some fruits will.
Watermelon
Check the melon's "belly." If it?s yellow, the fruit is overripe. If it's cream-colored, it's just right.
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Clay County Farmers Market122 N. Main Street, Flora Open: Jun.-Oct., Saturdays, 8 am to Noon
| 618/662-5645
Website-> | Edwards County Farmers Market350 N. 7th St. (Southeast corner of square), Albion Open: July - September on Fridays, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
| 618/445-2934
| Jasper County Farmers MarketCourt House Square, Newton The Newton Farmers Market will take place every Saturday Morning from Mid July to Mid October, except during the Jasper County Fall Festival in Mid September. Purchase homegrown fruits and vegetables. For more information call 618-783-3399.
| 618-783-3399
| Lawrence County Farmers Market619 12th Street, Lawrenceville Open: West side of Courthouse Square: May - October 6:00 AM - Noon. Tuesdays and Fridays
| 618/943-3516
Website-> | Richland County Farmers Market - in NobleVillage Park, Noble Open: July - September on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
| 618/723-2212
| Richland County Farmers Market - in OlneyOlney City Park, Olney Open: June to October, Tuesday & Friday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Fresh produce, craft items, yard ornaments, baked goods
| 618/392-2241
618/869-2885
| Wayne County Farmers MarketCourthouse Square & old Wal-Mart parking lot, Fairfield Open: Mid-June-Sept., Wed & Sat., , 7 am to Noon
| 618/842-3702
| West Salem Farmers Market Town Square, West Salem Open: May - October Fridays 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
| 618/456-3167
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