What’s in Season in August: Produce Guide

If you’re wondering what’s in season in August, this August Seasonal Produce Guide lists the fruits and vegetables that are most abundant and flavorful this month. You’ll also find recipe ideas to help you enjoy the peak of summer produce.

The markets are overflowing in August, and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of fresh, local produce. Favorites right now include summer squash, cherries, nectarines, corn, basil and tomatoes. These items are at their peak flavor and are versatile in a wide range of dishes.

This August Seasonal Produce Guide highlights the fruits and vegetables you’re most likely to find at farmers’ markets and grocery stores this month. Expect berries and stone fruit, lots of tomatoes, sweet corn, bell peppers, summer squash, and an array of fresh herbs. Below the guide you’ll find recipe suggestions to turn that bounty into memorable meals.

Why choose in-season produce? Seasonal produce tastes better and tends to be more nutritious because it’s fresher and spends less time in storage or transit. Buying in season is often more affordable, supports local farmers, and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. Out-of-season items are frequently imported, which increases costs and can lead to a diminished flavor and texture.

What’s in season in August

Below is a practical list of fruits and vegetables that are commonly in season during August. Availability can vary by region, but these items are typically abundant during late summer.

August seasonal fruits and vegetables

Root vegetables

• Beets. Available in deep reds, golds and striped varieties. Earthy and sweet, beets can be roasted, braised or eaten raw; beet greens are edible and nutritious.
• Carrots. Sweet and crunchy, perfect raw, roasted, or used in soups, stews and baked goods.
• Radishes. Crisp with a peppery bite—great raw in salads or roasted for milder flavor.

Fresh herbs

Fresh herbs flourish in summer. Look for basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, rosemary, tarragon and thyme. Herbs lift simple dishes—use them in sauces, dressings, or as a finishing touch to grilled vegetables and proteins.

Greens and alliums

• Garlic. Adds depth to savory dishes; roasted garlic becomes mellow and sweet.
• Green onions (scallions). Mild and versatile for raw garnishes, salads or cooked dishes.
• Greens. Arugula, kale, spinach and Swiss chard are great for salads, sautés and soups.
• Leeks and shallots. Mild, oniony flavors that enhance soups, sauces and roasted dishes.

Nightshades

• Bell peppers. Sweet and crisp in a rainbow of colors—delicious raw, grilled or roasted.
• Chili peppers. Range from mild shishito and poblano to spicy jalapeño and serrano—use according to desired heat level.
• Eggplant. Tender and silky when cooked; perfect for grilling, roasting or stuffing.
• Tomatillos. Tart and bright, excellent in salsas and Mexican sauces.
• Tomatoes. Juicy summer tomatoes—cherry, roma and heirloom—are at their sweetest and most fragrant.

Summer vegetables

• Corn. Sweet and crisp—available in yellow, white and bi-color varieties. Ideal boiled, grilled or added to salads and salsas.
• Cucumbers. Refreshing and hydrating, wonderful raw, in salads or pickled.
• Green beans. Tender and crisp—steamed, sautéed or tossed in salads and stir-fries.
• Rhubarb. Tart stalks that become sweet when cooked—frequently used in desserts and preserves.
• Summer squash and zucchini. Mild, versatile and quick-cooking—grill, roast, sauté or bake into breads and fritters.

Fruits and citrus

• Berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are sweet, slightly tart, and great fresh, in salads, or preserved.
• Cherries. Juicy stone fruit perfect for snacking, baking and jams.
• Lemons and limes. Brighten dressings, fish, drinks and desserts.
• Figs. Soft, jammy and luxurious—delicious fresh, grilled or baked.
• Grapes and melons. Hydrating, sweet and ideal for snacking and fruit salads.
• Stone fruit. Peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots are at their juiciest and most aromatic—use fresh, grilled, baked or preserved.

Root vegetable recipes

Fresh herb recipes

Greens and allium recipes

Nightshade vegetable recipes

Summer vegetable recipes

Fruit and citrus recipes

More seasonal produce guides you’ll love

• July seasonal produce guide
• June seasonal produce guide
• May seasonal produce guide
• September seasonal produce guide