9 Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables to Enjoy in August

As summer reaches its peak, August brings a bounty of fresh and flavorful produce perfect for enjoying in a variety of dishes. Here are nine seasonal fruits and vegetables at their best this month, along with ideas on how to use them.

Tomatoes

August is prime time for tomatoes, offering a range of varieties from juicy beefsteaks to sweet cherry tomatoes. Enjoy them fresh in salads, slice them for sandwiches, or roast them for a rich tomato sauce. Their vibrant flavor is a hallmark of summer, perfect for adding color and taste to your meals.

Corn

Sweet corn is at its peak in August, making it a summer favorite. Grill corn on the cob for a smoky flavor, boil it, and slather it with butter, or cut the kernels off to use in salads, salsas, and soups. My favorite is this Mexican macaroni salad. Corn’s natural sweetness pairs well with a variety of dishes, adding texture and taste.

Peaches

Ripe and juicy, peaches are a quintessential summer fruit. Enjoy them fresh as a snack, slice them into yogurt or cereal, or bake them into pies and cobblers. Their sweet, fragrant flesh adds a delightful flavor to both sweet and savory dishes, making them versatile in the kitchen.

Zucchini

This versatile summer squash is abundant in August. Use zucchini in stir fry, bake it into bread, or make a comforting zucchini dal. Its mild flavor makes it adaptable to a range of recipes, from savory to sweet, and it’s a great way to add vegetables to your diet.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are vibrant and crisp, adding a pop of color and crunch to dishes. They can be eaten raw in salads, stuffed with grains and proteins, or roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. Available in various colors, bell peppers are rich in vitamins and add a fresh taste to any meal.

Blackberries

August is a great time to enjoy plump and juicy blackberries. These berries are perfect for eating fresh, adding to smoothies, or baking into desserts like pies and crisps. Their sweet-tart flavor complements both sweet and savory dishes.

Eggplant

Eggplant’s firm texture and slightly bitter taste make it a great addition to a variety of dishes. Grill or roast eggplant for a smoky flavor, or use it in casseroles and stews. It’s also a key ingredient in Mediterranean dishes like ratatouille, stuffed eggplant, and baba ganoush, adding depth and richness to meals.

Green Beans

Crisp and tender green beans are versatile vegetables that can be enjoyed in many ways. Steam them as a simple side dish, sauté them with garlic and almonds, or incorporate them into salads and casseroles. Their fresh, mild flavor pairs well with a range of seasonings and ingredients.

Watermelon

Nothing says summer like a refreshing slice of watermelon. This juicy fruit is perfect for hydrating on hot days, and it can be enjoyed on its own, in fruit salads, or even grilled for a unique twist. Watermelon’s sweet, watery flesh is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins.