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In-Spear-Ation: Spring Asparagus Ritual Renewed in Lincoln Square
- Bob Benenson
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Buying Mick Klug Farm Asparagus Has Verified Spring for More Than a Decade
As a resident of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, Green City Market has been our most local farmers market since we moved here in 2011. Mick Klug Farm (St. Joseph, Michigan) quickly became one of my favorite vendors... and the source of one of my food-geeky traditions.
Before the popularity surge in ramps — the early-arriving wild onions — the arrival of asparagus at the Mick Klug Farm stand was my high sign that spring had in fact set in. (Did you know that Michigan is the leading asparagus-producing state?) And every year, I have bought my first asparagus from the farm, and photographed the ritual.
I missed my first opportunity at Green City last Saturday (April 26) because I was on a field trip to Michigan, of all places. My next shot would be yesterday (May 1) at the season opener for the Thursday afternoon Lincoln Square Farmers Market, another Klug vending location.
A rainy forecast almost put me off, but the rain moved out, and the offer of a ride from friend Matthew Ruffi — honcho of the Uptown Farmers Market, which opens for the season Wednesday (May 7), and of LinkUp Illinois, which finances programs that enable farmers markets to double the value of SNAP benefits — sealed the deal.
So, as you can see from the photo at top, my quirky little tradition continues. Here are some more photos from around the market, finishing with my market haul.
My friends at Los Rodriguez Farm (Eau Claire, Michigan), one of the rising stars on the Chicago region farmers market scene, also had asparagus, along with other early season goodies.
John Bailey Honey (Altorf, Illinois), which sells at a number of area farmers markets, has a variety of honeys, maple syrup, and unique beeswax candles.
Microgreens have a rising presence at Chicago region markets. Kaleido Greens (Kildeer, Illinois) is one of the most prominent vendors.
Au Levain Bakery & Cafe, located nearby in Lincoln Square, has a stand at the market, and man, do those baked goods look tempting.
Livestock-based pet treats make up another growing sector of farmers market vendors. Vendors such as Maggie's Munchies Dog Treats accent the snout-to-tail concept that reduces food waste.
My market haul (from left): English muffins and babka from Dorothy's Bakery (Chicago); a jar of dark honey from John Bailey; a microgreens mix from Kaleido; a ginormous cucumber from Los Rodriguez; and ramps and, of course, asparagus from Mick Klug.
More soon from Saturday's markets.