Geneva Green Market plans to sell off-season wares

Miss the Geneva Green Market already?

Several of the vendors do, too. Today they are unveiling a wintertime version of the market.

It will be indoors at Inglenook Pantry, 11 N. Fifth St., Geneva, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It's building on the success of the Geneva Green Market farmers market, which debuted this year. It featured local produce, baked goods, meats, poultry, garden goods and dairy products. Everything sold was produced within 250 miles of Geneva, in keeping with organizers' desires to promote local agriculture and reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

"The Green Market went very well," said Denise Dorman, one of the market's planners. She and others thought, "We wish we could do this all year around."

Inglenook Pantry, which sold baked goods at the Green Market, offered the space. The restaurant has a deli attached to it.

There won't be as many vegetables because, obviously, not much grows in the northern Midwest throughout the winter, unless it is raised in a hothouse.

But one vendor is going to try.

Pine Row Farms of Roscoe will be bringing produce raised in hoophouses. Half-hoops are placed over the ground and fabric stretched, like a tent. Heat is supplied by decomposition of manure.

The plants are grown in the ground like they would be in summer. "So it is actually good-tasting food," Denise said.

Pine Row Farms, Hillside Orchards, Grandma's Eggs, Shramer's Meats and Curds and Whey Cheeses are on board for the winter market so far.

The Geneva Green Market will also have a special day Nov. 18 for Thanksgiving cooks. People can pick up pre-ordered Bourbon Red turkeys (order them online at www.cavenyfarm.com). Lettuce greens, fingerling potatoes, carrots, sun cokes, eggs, jams, jellies, baked good and cheese will also be sold.