Summer Produce to Enjoy in August
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Collapse ▲Seasonal Picks for Peak Nutrition
As summer winds down, gardens and farmers’ markets are bursting with the season’s final (and flavorful) harvest of fresh, nutrient-packed summer produce. Many people look forward to the warmer seasons not just for the weather, but for the opportunity to enjoy seasonal eating. Seasonal eating involves choosing produce within a specific time of year when it’s at its peak flavor, ripeness, and nutritional value. August is a great time to take advantage of late summer fruits and vegetables. This article will go over meals you can prepare with August produce, tips for storing and preparing produce, and a few bonus wellness tips for the end of summer.
The variety of summer produce available opens the door for many possible flavor combinations and creative recipes. Here are some tasty fruits and vegetables you can enjoy in August:
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Apples Ways to try them: fresh, baked, applesauce |
Butterbeans Ways to try them: Simmered, soups, stews |
Cabbage Ways to try them: Shredded, sauteed, roasted |
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Cantaloupe Ways to try it: Fresh, smoothies |
Cherry tomatoes Ways to try them: Salads, roasted |
Cucumbers Ways to try them: Sliced, salads, dips |
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Figs Ways to try it: Fresh, jams, roasted |
Garlic Ways to try it: Roasted, sauteed, soups |
Herbs Ways to try them: Pesto, salads, herb butter |
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Okra Ways to try it: Roasted, air fried, soups/stews |
Peaches Ways to try them: Sliced, smoothies, grilled, roasted |
Peanuts Ways to try them: Roasted, stir fried, nut butter |
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Peppers Ways to try them: Sliced, stir fried, roasted, stuffed |
Plums Ways to try them: Sliced, baked, stewed |
Yellow Squash Ways to try it: Grilled, roasted, sauteed, casseroles |
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Snap beans Ways to try them: Steamed, sauteed, stir fried |
Sweet Corn Ways to try them: Grilled, boiled, chili, salads |
Sweet Potatoes Ways to try them: Roasted, mashed, quick breads |
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Tomatoes Ways to try them: Sliced, sauces, soups |
Watermelon Ways to try them: Fresh, grilled, popsicles |
Zucchini Ways to try it: Grilled, roasted, spiralized |
Want to see what’s in season here in North Carolina?
Click to download the What’s In Season NC Fruit and Vegetable Availability Chart.
Seasonal Summer Recipes:
- Bulgur Stuffed Peppers
- Chicken Pasta Salad
- Open-Faced Tomato Grilled Cheese with Basil
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Plant Part Salad
- Sweet Potato Biscuits
- Spicy Okra
Tips for Storing Fresh Produce
With the abundance of summer produce that’s in season, it’s important to know how to safely store these items at home. Safe Plates recommends storing fresh produce between 32°F – 55°F with relatively high humidity. Things like berries, grapes, peaches, melons, green beans, leafy greens, okra, and squash store better in the refrigerator crisper drawer which has a higher level of humidity. Cut produce should be refrigerated to lower risk of pathogen growth. Tomatoes, melons, and potatoes store best at a cool room temperature. (Warmer room temperatures can shorten the shelf life.)
When it comes to freezing produce, you want to use high quality food. Foods like cucumbers, radishes, and watermelon do not freeze well. Most vegetables can benefit from blanching before freezing in order to stop enzymes that can cause loss of flavor, color, and texture as well as destroying microbes. Click to get the Safe Plates handout for Storing and Freezing Produce at Home.
When blanching vegetables, it is recommended to use one gallon of water per pound of vegetables. The vegetables should be placed into boiling water before quickly cooling them in ice water. See the chart to find the blanching time for particular vegetables.
Bonus Tips for Wellness in August
- Stay Hydrated! You can read more about creative ways to hydrate in our article How to Stay Hydrated
- Use good food safety practices when visiting the farmers market or grocery store. Find some helpful tips.
- Getting your fresh air and sunshine in the garden is a great stress management practice! Besides growing nutritious produce, you’re helping your health by boosting your mood to help you de-stress.