Seasonal Produce Guide: What's Fresh in Illinois

Illinois agriculture is diverse and productive. Here's what to look for throughout the year.

Spring (April-May)

Early Spring

• Asparagus - The first sign of spring! Illinois asparagus is exceptional

• Ramps - Wild leeks with intense flavor, short season

• Spring greens - Spinach, arugula, lettuce

• Radishes - Crisp and peppery

Late Spring

• Strawberries - Illinois strawberries peak late May/early June

• Sugar snap peas - Sweet and crunchy

• Green onions - Mild, fresh flavor

• Fresh herbs - Basil, cilantro, dill

Summer (June-August)

June

• Strawberry season peaks - Pick-your-own farms are worth the trip

• Cherries - Brief but glorious season

• Broccoli and cauliflower - Before summer heat

• First zucchini - And it keeps coming...

July

• Sweet corn - Illinois sweet corn is legendary

• Tomatoes - Finally! Heirloom varieties abound

• Peppers - Sweet and hot varieties

• Cucumbers - Perfect for pickles

• Blueberries - Peak season

• Green beans - Abundant and cheap

August

• Peaches - Southern Illinois peaches rival Georgia's

• Melons - Watermelon and cantaloupe at peak

• Eggplant - Deep purple beauties

• Tomatoes - Still going strong

• Sweet corn - Final weeks

Fall (September-October)

September

• Apples - 30+ varieties grown in Illinois

• Pears - Bartlett, Bosc, Asian varieties

• Winter squash - Butternut, acorn, spaghetti

• Pumpkins - From pie pumpkins to decorative giants

• Late tomatoes - Last chance!

October

• Apple season continues - Great for cider and baking

• Brussels sprouts - Better after a frost

• Cabbage - For kraut and storage

• Root vegetables - Carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips

• Kale and collards - Cold hardy and sweet

Winter (November-March)

What's Available

• Storage crops - Squash, potatoes, onions

• Greenhouse greens - Some farms grow year-round

• Preserved goods - Canned, frozen, dried

• Meat and eggs - Local farms produce year-round

• Maple syrup - February/March tapping season

Where to Find Local Produce

Farmers Markets

Many operate into November; a few year-round

Farm Stands

Direct from source, often honor-system

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

Weekly boxes from local farms

Pick-Your-Own Farms

Strawberries (June), blueberries (July), apples (Sept-Oct)

Tips for Eating Seasonally

1. Preserve the bounty - Learn to can, freeze, or pickle

2. Plan menus around what's fresh - Better taste, lower prices

3. Build relationships with farmers - They'll tell you what's coming

4. Visit orchards and farms - Great family outings

5. Try new varieties - Farmers markets have things stores don't