Strike gold this summer with fresh-picked corn

Farm stands are treasure troves of summer riches right now, with just-picked sweet corn in the spotlight. The ears are at their peak, thanks to staggered plantings that stretch the season.

Here’s a roundup of some of the great places to find corn on the cob, other harvest delights and artisan treats to give your summertime meals pure farm-to-table flavor. Some of these spots also offer their wares at farmers markets for broader access.

KENDALL COUNTY

Keller’s Farmstand

2500 Johnson Road, Oswego

630-219-8194, www.kellersfarmstand.com, www.facebook.com/kellersfarmstand

The family traces its local history back to Adam Keller, who made his way to America from Germany, and started farming circa 1852 in the Naperville area. Their farm stand locations include one in Plainfield at 15066 S. Wallin Drive. Each currently features sweet corn, as well as tomatoes, melons and other summer favorites. This is the 30th anniversary for their farm stand business.

KANE COUNTY

Wiltse’s Farm Produce

50W379 Route 38, Maple Park

815-739-6179, www.facebook.com/wiltsefarm, www.wiltsefarm.com

Calling it the Wiltse trifecta, they offer yellow, white and bi-color sweet corn. The family has been growing and selling vegetables for four generations, and their motto is “picked for perfection.” The Puff Truck - Pizza Puff Food Truck and Storefront will be back from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24. Wiltse’s is among some of the local farm stands offering Illinois cantaloupe grown by Mitchell Melons in Tampico in Whiteside County.

Theis Farm Market and Greenhouse

6N953 County Line Road, Maple Park

815-757-1090, www.theisfarmmarket.com, www.facebook.com/TheisFarmMarket

In addition to their main farm stand, their sweet corn and produce pops up at farmers markets this season. Their stand promises great-tasting fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, plus select produce from other growers to offer a wide selection for convenience.

Windy Acres Farm

37W446 Fabyan Parkway, Geneva

630-232-6429, windyacresfarmstand.com, www.facebook.com/windyacresfarmstand

The family farm is known for its sweet corn and produce, plus pies and other treats. Illinois peaches will be celebrated with a Peach Festival this weekend, July 24 and 25, with food, drink, children’s attractions and a petting zoo. Multiple greenhouses also are a draw.

McHENRY COUNTY

Stade’s Farm & Market

3709 Miller Road, McHenry

815-675-6396, stadesfarmandmarket.com, www.facebook.com/stadesfarmandmarket

Stade’s staggers the plantings of different varieties of sweet corn so they can pick corn for you all summer long. You also can enjoy the experience of picking your own berries and vegetables. They feature their own bakery goods, as well as specialty and gourmet foods in the country market. Barbecue fans will find Smokin’ Blue BBQ on hand various weekends; new are meats and sides by the pound in addition to meals.

Cody’s Farm & Orchard

19502 River Road, Marengo

815-568-7976, www.codysfarm.com, Facebook at tinyurl.com/4x2vzduu

Cody’s sweet corn is in season, along with a variety of fresh produce. They also have convenient farm stands in Woodstock and Crystal Lake. A sampling of current items ranges from broccoli, cabbage and beets to potatoes, onions and summer squash.

NEARBY

Sonny Acres Farm

29W310 North Ave., West Chicago

630-231-3859, sonnyacres.com, www.facebook.com/sonnyacres

The pumpkin farm, dating to 1883, offers local produce for sale all summer, a market and a variety of activities for children including a self-feed petting zoo, pony and train rides. The outdoor kitchen serves up burgers, hot dogs and other fare. Concerts are an added attraction.