The last full month of summer is bursting with delicious seasonal ingredients begging to be eaten. Discover what’s in season in August and bring the bright, beautiful colors and aromas of summer fruits and vegetables to your meals.
A farmer’s market in August is always a feast for the senses. It’s hard to resist the smell of fresh basil, sun-ripened tomatoes, and sweet stone fruit picked right from the trees.
The colors that fill every corner of the market practically beg us to cook and highlight all the flavors they promise. August is such a fun month to let these seasonal flavors guide you. We get the best of summer fruits and vegetables, and a little peek at fall favorites like apples and pears.
I’m always inspired to create healthy recipes with an abundance of ingredients that are fresh and delicious this month, with maybe a few desserts and comforting indulgences as well! Read on to discover the huge variety of ingredients available for cooking seasonally in August, and be inspired to get in the kitchen.
Apples
You may begin to see these fall favorites now. There are hundreds of varieties, from sweet Gala to tart Pink Lady’s, and the best way to learn about them is to taste them. Choose firm, unblemished fruit and they’ll store in your fridge for weeks without a problem.
YUMMY ADDICTION APPLE RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME APPLE RECIPES:
- Apple Cider Chicken Skillet by Well Plated
- Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal by Foolproof Living
- Healthy Apple Crisp by Erin Lives Whole
Apricots
Grab a few of these sweet, soft summer fruits to snack on, or to bake up into a delicious dessert. Once pitted and sliced, apricots can also make fantastic additions to summer salads. Choose fruit that is unbruised but tender, and store in the fridge for the longest shelf life.
YUMMY ADDICTION APRICOT RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME APRICOT RECIPES:
- Apricot Crisp with Oat Crumble by Kristine’s Kitchen
- Apricot Strawberry Smoothie by Natasha’s Kitchen
- Summer Salad with Apricot Poppyseed Dressing by Heather Christo
Avocado
The many varieties of avocado ripen at largely different times throughout the year. In August, expect to see the common Hass avocado, or maybe the lesser-known Mexicola grande or Wurtz. Oil content changes in each variety, but all make great additions to salads, sauces, and even desserts.
YUMMY ADDICTION AVOCADO RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME AVOCADO RECIPES:
- Mini Avocado & Hummus Quesadillas by Cookin Canuck
- Citrus Shrimp And Avocado Salad by Foodie Crush
- Chocolate Avocado Pie by Chocolate Covered Katie
Beets
These vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrition and sweet flavor. Purple beets are by far the sweetest, but both the yellow and striped varieties are also delicious. Once roasted, beets are an excellent addition to many salads and pair well with creamy, salty cheeses and bitter greens.
YUMMY ADDICTION BEET RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME BEET RECIPES:
- Balsamic Roasted Beets by Joy Food Sunshine
- Chocolate Beet Snack Cake by Simple Bites
- Beet Hummus by The Forked Spoon
Blackberries
When choosing blackberries, look for plump juicy drupelets (the little globes that make up the berry), and avoid ones that are shriveled or small. Enjoy your juicy berries within 5 days, and try them baked into pie, cooked into a sauce, or tossed straight onto a salad.
At the moment, there is only one recipe with blackberries on the blog – this delicious lime white chocolate mousse. Usually, we have blackberries on their own at home or top oatmeal or cereal with them. I’ll definitely try to add more recipes with these cute berries in the future!
MORE AWESOME BLACKBERRY RECIPES:
- Thai Blackberry Basil Chicken by Creme de la Crumb
- Blackberry Slab Pie Bars by The View from Great Island
- Fresh Blackberry Ice Cream by Baked by an Introvert
Blueberries
Blueberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, making them sweet, delicious, and healthy. It’s a great excuse to make dessert, but they’re also fabulous raw or cooked just enough to release their natural sweetness. They can last up to 10 days when stored dry and loosely in an airtight container.
YUMMY ADDICTION BLUEBERRY RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME BLUEBERRY RECIPES:
- Blueberry Spinach Salad by Wonky Wonderful
- Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes by Savory Nothings
- Healthy Blueberry Crumble by Amy’s Healthy Baking
Carrots
There are so many varieties of carrots you should definitely try them when they’re fresh and beautiful at the market. Carrots with bright, vibrant greens attached will be the freshest. Remove them at home to keep your carrots fresh longer, and get some bonus greens for your salads!
YUMMY ADDICTION CARROT RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME CARROT RECIPES:
- Creamy Carrot Soup by Natasha’s Kitchen
- Healthy Carrot Cake Cupcakes by Chocolate Covered Katie
- Creamy Carrot Orecchiette Pasta by Feasting at Home
Cherries
There are a few different types of cherries, and each is delicious. The deep red cherries are sweet, and great for dessert, sauces, and snacking. Rainier cherries are as well, and you’ll know them by their pink and yellow hue. Finally, tart cherries are bright red and considered extremely healthy.
Cherries are one of the absolute favorites at our house. We love them so much that the first trees we planted at our new house were cherry trees. Check out this amazing strawberry cherry crumb cake for the ultimate summer treat!
MORE AWESOME CHERRY RECIPES:
- Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars by Averie Cooks
- Roasted Cherry Dutch Baby by Yes to Yolks
- Cherry Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate by Saving Room for Dessert
Corn
Fresh sweet summer corn is delicious enough to be eaten raw from the cob. Both white and yellow varieties are considered sweet, and can be used in chopped salads or salsas, or roasted or grilled. Look for bright green husks and yellow fluffy tops for freshness.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any fresh corn recipes on the blog (only canned) but I hope to fix that in the future! Meanwhile, check out what other food bloggers are up to.
MORE AWESOME CORN RECIPES:
- Easy Mexican Street Corn by Food with Feeling
- Fresh Corn Salad by Yellow Bliss Road
- Summer Corn Chowder by Aberdeen’s Kitchen
Cucumber
These beauties are coming to the end of their best season, so enjoy the crisp bite now. Choose dark green, firm cucumbers, and choose the right type for your cooking. There are tons of varieties, some good for raw salads, and some great for pickling. Ask your local seller!
YUMMY ADDICTION CUCUMBER RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME CUCUMBER RECIPES:
- Thai Cucumber Salad by Jo Cooks
- Strawberry Cucumber Mojito Mocktail by Mary’s Whole Life
- Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizer by Simply Home Cooked
Eggplants
This heat-loving crop is as flavorful as it is beautiful, and it’s a great way to bulk up the vegetarian night. Try varieties like large globe eggplants for baking and stewing, and the long and thin Chinese eggplant for quick cooks like stir fry.
YUMMY ADDICTION EGGPLANT RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME EGGPLANT RECIPES:
- Crispy Baked Eggplant by Backyard Bohemian
- Eggplant Parmigiana (Italian Eggplant Parmesan) by Inside the Rustic Kitchen
- Braised Harissa Eggplant with Chickpeas by The First Mess
Figs
Fresh figs are always a sweet, sticky delight. With over 700 types of fig trees, there are tons of varieties to try. Look for the Adriatic white fig, black mission figs, or brown turkey figs for the sweetest bites. They can be served raw or cooked.
I discovered my love for figs not such a long time ago so it’s natural that I don’t have any fig recipes on the blog YET. These little gems are worth all the praise they get so recipes are definitely coming! Meanwhile, check out how my food blogger friends used figs in the kitchen!
MORE AWESOME FIG RECIPES:
- Fig and Prosciutto Salad by Tried and True Recipes
- Mascarpone Fig Tart with Pistachio Crust by Leisure Fan Club
- Honey Fig Goat Cheese Flatbread by Hunger Thirst Play
Grapes
When wine vineyards are in full harvest, you can expect to see them show up at your market too. There are dozens of table grape varieties, and they come in colors from green to red to even black. Look for green, flexible stems with bright, firm grapes.
My family adores grapes but usually we enjoy them straight out of the bag (or straight from the vine), not in recipes. I need to pull myself together and cook something with these sweet berries ASAP because you can really do so much with them. Check out what other food bloggers came up with!
MORE AWESOME GRAPE RECIPES:
- Kale, Grape, and Farro Salad with Feta by Cooking Classy
- Roasted Grape Mascarpone Tart by Emma Duckworth Bakes
- Roasted Chicken, Grapes, and Rosemary by Reluctant Entertainer
Green beans
Green beans, pole beans, bush beans, and runner beans – whatever they’re called at your market, pick up a few handfuls of these versatile veggies. Varieties range from green to yellow, but always choose beans with firm, crisp pods. Try roasting, blanching, baking, pickling, or even frying them.
YUMMY ADDICTION GREEN BEAN RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME GREEN BEAN RECIPES:
- Green Bean Casserole with Bacon by Yellow Bliss Road
- Sweet And Sour Chickpeas And Green Beans by Earth of Maria
- 30-Minute Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry by Ambitious Kitchen
Greens
With so many summer fruits and veggies perfect for salads, it’s a must to also try seasonal greens. Go for arugula or mustard greens for a spicy kick to your salads, or swiss chard and kale for a heartier salad green, or one that can tolerate heat and cooking.
YUMMY ADDICTION RECIPES WITH GREENS:
MORE AWESOME RECIPES WITH GREENS:
- Spring Greens, Leek, Pea and Pesto Risotto by Cupful of Kale
- Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach by The Clever Meal
- Arugula Salad with Lemon, Parmesan, and Pine Nuts by Julia’s Album
Herbs
Herbs, herbs, everywhere! Whip up limitless varieties of vinaigrettes and marinades, or toss handfuls into your cooking to highlight the subtle beauty of fresh herbs. You can find all the usual suspects this time of year including parsley, basil, cilantro, dill, thyme, rosemary, mint, and chives.
YUMMY ADDICTION HERB RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME HERB RECIPES:
- Easy 5-Minute Chimichurri Sauce by Happy Kitchen
- Lemon Mint Pesto by Becky’s Best Bites
- Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust by Add a Pinch
Limes
A healthy squeeze of fresh lime juice pairs so well with numerous other ingredients you’ll find on this list. Toss it into a dressing for a bell pepper salad, mix it with avocado for a creamy spread, or bake it into a dessert that’s alive with bright flavors of summer.
YUMMY ADDICTION LIME RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME LIME RECIPES:
- Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp by Rasa Malaysia
- Kale Soup with Lime-Cilantro Chickpeas by Tried and True Recipes
- Coconut Lime Butter Bars by The Recipe Critic
Mangos
The size, shape, and color of the mangos at your market will depend on which of the over 500 varieties you’re looking at. All are sweet and delicious however, and great in smoothies, salads, curds and more. Choose fruit by feel, they should give slightly when squeezed gently.
YUMMY ADDICTION MANGO RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME MANGO RECIPES:
- Mango Lassi Popsicles by Ministry of Curry
- Mango Chicken by Chelsea’s Messy Apron
- Mango Salsa by Cooking Classy
Melons
You can’t miss the heavy sweet scent of ripe summer melons when you walk past, and you should follow your nose! Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are a treat for cool salads, light desserts, and snacking. Choose melons that are heavy for their size and have a yellow, not white, sun spot.
YUMMY ADDICTION MELON RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME MELON RECIPES:
- Watermelon Smoothie by I Heart Naptime
- Spiced Cantaloupe Tea Loaf by Jo Cooks
- Watermelon Skewers With Prosciutto by Recipes From a Pantry
Mulberries
These blackberry lookalikes come from a mulberry tree and have a sweet-tart flavor. You’ll know a mulberry by its elongated narrow appearance, but with over 100 documented varieties, you may find them in any number of whites, reds, or purples. Use them as you would any berry you enjoy.
I remember reading that these berries are quite common in the United States but here in Europe (at least in my country) they are quite rare. That’s why I first tried mulberries only in my twenties. And I absolutely love them! I’ve yet to cook anything with mulberries but my family enjoys munching on them a lot. Meanwhile, check out what other bloggers made with these cute berries!
MORE AWESOME MULBERRY RECIPES:
- Mulberry Lemon Yogurt Cake by Madeline Hall
- Mulberry Crumble Ice Cream by Beyond Sweet & Savory
- Coconut Rice Pudding with Mint Mulberry Compote by Snixy Kitchen
Nectarines
The smooth-skinned cousin of peaches, both white and yellow nectarines are beautiful this time of year. Choose fruits that have smooth, unbruised skin and that have a slight give when gently squeezed. If needed, let them ripen on the counter before enjoying.
While I love both peaches and nectarines, I would choose the latter any day. Unfortunately, I’ve used nectarines only once for the recipe on this blog – inside these amazing turkey burgers. I definitely need to step my game up!
MORE AWESOME NECTARINE RECIPES:
- Nectarine and Strawberry Galette with Thyme by The Life Jolie
- Nectarine Pizza with Fresh Basil and Reduced Balsamic by Alexandra’s Kitchen
- Arugula Nectarine Salad by Haute & Healthy Living
Peaches
Fuzzy, delicious, and an iconic fruit of summer; fresh peaches should definitely make your menu somewhere. Most common are yellow and white, but unique options like donut peaches occasionally pop up at local markets. Try them all, and no matter the variety, there’s no need to peel them!
YUMMY ADDICTION PEACH RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME PEACH RECIPES:
- Peach Baked Oatmeal by Eating Bird Food
- Peach Bread by A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
- Peach & Basil Flatbread Pizza by My Life Cookbook
Pears
You may see autumn early birds like pears appear now. Common varieties like Bosc, Red and Green Anjou, or Bartlett pears are always great, but there are many more than those. Discover your favorite and grill them, bake them, and snack to your heart’s content.
YUMMY ADDICTION PEAR RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME PEAR RECIPES:
- Cinnamon Walnut Pear Crisp by Ambitious Kitchen
- Baked Pears with Honey, Pecans, & Cinnamon by Easy Peasy Creative Ideas
- Arugula Pear Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts by Family Style Food
Peppers
When choosing your peppers, look for taut, smooth skin free of wrinkles or dark spots. Red bell peppers are most sweet, followed by orange, then yellow. Green is considered the least sweet of them, but really, any are fabulous roasted, raw, or sauteed with oil.
YUMMY ADDICTION PEPPER RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME PEPPER RECIPES:
- Italian Stuffed Peppers by Little Sunny Kitchen
- Chicken Fajitas by Downshiftology
- Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Pasta by Vegan Heaven
Plums
These sweet, jammy stone fruits are delicious in all their varieties, from red to white. The skin is thin and edible and plums cook well into many things, like sauces, desserts, salads. If you prefer them tart, eat them while slightly firm, if you’re a fan of sweet plums, wait until they’re soft and juicy to enjoy.
I have only one plum recipe on the blog but it’s a GOOD one. This healthy plum cake is made with whole wheat flour, almond flour, and also has lemon cashew icing (no confectioners’ sugar) on top. It tastes amazing – you won’t even tell the difference from the usual plum cake!
MORE AWESOME PLUM RECIPES:
- Vanilla Almond Plum Crumble by The View from Great Island
- Plum Nectarine Salad by A Daily Something
- Asian Plum Sauce by Sweet and Savory Meals
Potatoes
Potatoes are among the most versatile vegetables available to us and throughout much of the year. There are well over 4000 types of potatoes out there, in many colors and textures. Roast, mash, fry, bake, boil – potatoes are delicious in every way.
YUMMY ADDICTION POTATO RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME POTATO RECIPES:
- Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes by Sprinkles & Sprouts
- Classic French-Style Potato Salad by Pardon Your French
- Skinny Crockpot Potato Soup by Carlsbad Cravings
Radishes
With over 30 varieties of radish, we’re able to enjoy them throughout most of the year. Their flavor is known for its peppery kick; some are spicier than others. They can be eaten cooked or raw. Be sure to choose a bunch that is smooth, firm, and vibrant in color.
YUMMY ADDICTION RADISH RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME RADISH RECIPES:
- Garlic Roasted Radishes by The Real Food Dietitians
- Radish Chips by Kimspired DIY
- Radish Salad with Radish Top Pesto by Love & Lemons
Raspberries
These delicate berries are best enjoyed within a few days of harvest, and their sweet and tart flavor makes that pretty easy. Wait to wash them until you’re ready to eat, and if storing they keep best when dry in a refrigerated, loosely covered container.
YUMMY ADDICTION RASPBERRY RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME RASPBERRY RECIPES:
- Small Batch Raspberry Cheesecake Bars by The Loopy Whisk
- Easy Raspberry Galette by The View from Great Island
- Raspberry Lemon Pound Cake by The Seaside Baker
Strawberries
These are likely the most abundant berry at your market, and for good reason! It doesn’t matter if you cook them, bake them, eat them raw, or juice them for a dressing, strawberries are literally delicious in all forms. Choose berries with vibrant, fresh green leaves and firm deep red flesh.
YUMMY ADDICTION STRAWBERRY RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME STRAWBERRY RECIPES:
- Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Chicken by Food by Mars
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini by Foodess
- Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars by Well Plated
Tomatoes
This is the best time of year to enjoy a sun-ripened tomato. There are hundreds of varieties, from tiny sweet cherry and grape tomatoes to any number of unique heirlooms. Try them all and you’ll quickly find your favorites choices for both cooking and raw preparations.
YUMMY ADDICTION TOMATO RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME TOMATO RECIPES:
- Parmesan Zucchini and Tomato Gratin by Delicious Meets Healthy
- Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella & Parmesan by The Cookie Rookie
- Simple Tomato Panzanella Salad by The Mediterranean Dish
Zucchini
The most common variety of summer squash is zucchini or courgette. They can be eaten raw or cooked briefly on a grill or in a saute pan. It’s best to choose the small ones rather than the largest; larger zucchinis contain more water and less flavor.
YUMMY ADDICTION ZUCCHINI RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME ZUCCHINI RECIPES:
- Zucchini Fritters by Will Cook For Smiles
- Parmesan Zucchini Fries by Rasa Malaysia
- Lasagna Zucchini Boats by Homemade Hooplah
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