August is one of the best months to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce. Farmers markets, roadside stands, grocery stores, and pick-your-own farms are overflowing with colorful fruits and vegetables at their peak flavor.

Because seasonal produce is often plentiful, August can also be a great time to stock up, save money, and preserve some of your favorites for the colder months ahead.

Fresh Fruits to Look For

Peaches​
Enjoy them fresh, add them to desserts, or preserve them by freezing, canning, or turning them into jams and Jelly.

Plums​
These sweet, versatile fruits are delicious fresh and work well in preserves or dried for later.

Blueberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries​
Add berries to breakfasts and snacks, freeze them for smoothies, or use them to make homemade jams.

Watermelon, Cantaloupe, and Honeydew​
Melons are a refreshing choice for hot August days. Serve them chilled, add them to fruit salads, or blend them into drinks.

Figs​
Fresh figs are a seasonal treat, and they can also be dried or made into sweet preserves.

Seasonal Vegetables to Enjoy

Tomatoes​
August tomatoes are full of flavor. Use them in salads, sandwiches, sauces, salsa, or can them for future meals.

Corn​
Enjoy corn straight from the cob, add it to summer dishes, or freeze it to use throughout the year.

Cucumbers​
Cucumbers are crisp and refreshing in salads, and they are also perfect for making pickles.

Peppers​
Sweet and hot peppers can be added to salsa, pickled, frozen, or dried.

Zucchini and Summer Squash​
Try them grilled, roasted, pickled, or baked into muffins and breads.

Eggplant​
Eggplant is delicious grilled or roasted and can also be used in casseroles, spreads, and dips such as baba ghanoush.

Green Beans​
Preserve green beans by freezing, pickling, or pressure canning, or simply cook and enjoy them while they are fresh.

If you enjoy your August produce right away or preserve it for the months ahead, this is the perfect time to celebrate the abundance of the season.

Happy harvesting and preserving!