As the sun blazes brighter and the days longer, isn’t it just pure joy to revel in summer’s colorful bounty? It’s the perfect time to rekindle your love affair with fruits and veggies, especially produce in season.
Imagine the magic you could stir up in your kitchen, creating healthy prepared meals as vibrant, fresh, and flavorful as the season! To help you make that fantasy a reality, let’s talk about what’s in season in August.
The Importance of Eating Seasonally
Fruits and veggies have their rhythm and timing, and when harvested at the peak of their season, they are juicier, crunchier, and more flavorful — they’re also packed with more nutrients.
Choosing seasonal produce also means supporting local farmers and creating a more sustainable food system. Why? Because seasonal foods require less energy and resources to grow and transport.
When it comes to preparing healthy meals, fresher is always better. Wouldn’t diving into that summer corn salad or a fresh peach smoothie be amazing, knowing it’s as good for the planet as it is for your taste buds?
1. Peaches
With their fuzzy skin and irresistibly sweet and tangy flavor, peaches are a real treat in August. When choosing peaches, look for fruits with a strong, sweet aroma. They should feel heavy for their size and give slightly when you squeeze them.
Slice peaches in a summer salad, blend them into a cooling smoothie or grill them for a sweet and smoky treat. Peaches can make your healthy prepared meals sing with summer’s sweetness.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are true summer stars. There’s a whole spectrum of tomatoes, from big, hearty beefsteaks to sweet, pop-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes. Then, there are the heirlooms, each with a unique shape, color, and flavor.
When shopping for tomatoes, look for ones with bright, shiny skin and a bit of weight. They should feel firm but yield under gentle pressure. And, oh, how you can use tomatoes in your meals … There’s nothing quite like the taste of a ripe summer tomato, making it a must-have for your healthy prepared meals.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries are the summer’s tiny treasures, small in size but mighty in flavor and nutrients. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, they are one of the healthiest fruits you can munch on.
When choosing blueberries, look for plump, firm berries with a uniform, deep blue color. Whether you sprinkle them on your morning oatmeal, blend them into a smoothie, or use them as a topping for your salad, blueberries add a delightful burst of sweetness and nutrition to your meals.
4. Corn
In August, corn is at its prime. Look for ears with bright green, snugly fitting husks, and golden silk at the end. The kernels should be plump and come to the ear’s tip. As for cooking, you’ve got options galore.
Grill it for a smoky flavor, cut off the kernels for a fresh summer salad, or blend it into a creamy soup. Corn is a versatile addition to your meals that screams summer!
5. Melons
August is the time for these refreshing fruits to shine, ranging from classic watermelon and cantaloupe to more exotic honeydew and canary melons. When picking a melon, give it a tap. You should hear a hollow sound, which indicates ripeness. For watermelons, a creamy yellow spot where it was resting on the ground means it’s ripe.
The ways to enjoy melons are endless. Cut them into chunks for a juicy snack, blend them into a refreshing drink, or use them in a salad with some mint and feta.
6. Zucchini
August is the time when zucchini is at its best. This versatile veggie is a wonderful source of vitamins and can add a refreshing bite to your meals. Look for small- to medium-sized zucchinis with shiny, unblemished skin. They should feel heavy for their size.
You can grill zucchini, stir-fry it, or spiralize it into ‘zoodles’ for a low-carb pasta alternative. You can even use zucchini in baked goods to add moisture and boost nutrition.
7. Plums
Plums are another delightful summer fruit to relish in August, with their juicy sweetness balanced by a hint of tartness. They come in various colors, each boasting a unique flavor profile.
Choose plums that are plump and heavy for their size, with a slight give when gently pressed. How about a plum salad with goat cheese or a tangy plum salsa with grilled fish? Plums can bring a sweet twist to meals while adding a pop of color to your summer plate.
Go Forth and Eat Seasonally!
Eating seasonally is about more than just great taste — supporting our bodies, local farmers, and the planet. Let the natural flavors of August inspire you to get creative in your kitchen and enjoy summer’s fresh, vibrant flavors.
