Marcoot Jersey Creamery
Downhome simplicity and old-school methodologies yield untold pleasures of natural goodness and wholesome results.
Jan 31, 2016 • Food & Beverage
The rural setting of Greenville is found some three hours south of Chicago in the rolling hills of Bond County.
This is the perfect location for this landmark creamery—a 7th-generation, family-owned, Jersey farm specializing in the handcrafted production of artisan and farmstead cheeses. Their grass-fed, 65 Jersey cow herd—well-known for producing a rich, hormone-free, high-quality milk—provide the secret behind their award-winning products: a collection of more than 16 cheese varieties, all carefully aged in cheese caves replicating the Swiss tradition. Not only is this a natural process, but it also conserves energy, contributing to the creamery’s overall sustainability.
Back in 1840, the original “Markut” family sailed from Switzerland to New Orleans by steamship up the Mississippi, landing in the Bond-Madison County, and settled into a livelihood of dairy farming. All went according to plan for more than 150 years until economics caught up to the family business.
That’s when Audie and Laura stepped in to keep the family farm intact. Reverting to old-world spelling, “Marcoot,” these entrepreneurial farmers’ daughters – with Jersey farming in their DNA – sidestepped career plans to continue their family’s legacy—only this time as makers of award-winning cheeses crafted from the milk of the Jersey cow descendants that arrived in these grass-fed pastures during Illinois’ formative days.
So, when you get the chance to meet this enterprising cheese-making family, you’ll appreciate the farm-fresh enthusiasm for what they do. From their country store to farm tours, they’ll likely introduce you to their cows by name. The store sells their award-winning cheeses, but it’s also a must-stop source of pasture-raised beef, whey-fed pork, hand-dipped ice cream and a variety of local preserves, honey, popcorn, coffee and pure maple syrup and so many other farm-raised delectables.
Meet more Illinois makers at Illinois Made.
Related Reads
Lagomarcino's Homemade Sweets
Enjoy ice cream, candy, chocolate, and sandwiches at a family-owned old-fashioned ice-cream parlor.
North Shore Distillery
They start with the best herbs, fruits, spices and grains they can find and turn them into award-winning distilled spirits and cocktails.
Ipsento Coffee
Paying mind to the soil, altitudes, temperatures, and even human touch at every step allows a good cup of coffee the chance to be a great cup of coffee.
Katherine Anne Confections
At her small, independent contiserie in Chicago's Logan Square, Katherine Anne Duncan makes sweets from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Illinois Made Sparkling Wine
Welcome an independent craft wine maker obsessed with creating exceptional sparkling wine using the traditional method and grapes that are 100% Illinois grown.
Share your Moments
#EnjoyIllinois