Making the Most of Fresh Produce as Summer Ends
August is a special time for produce. Summer's favorites are still abundant, but early signs of fall are beginning to appear. Farmers markets are filled with tomatoes, corn, peppers, eggplant, peaches, and berries, while apples and other early fall produce begin making their return.
As the seasons change, there's no reason to leave fresh produce behind. Instead, August is the perfect time to celebrate the final weeks of summer abundance while gradually welcoming the flavors of fall!
Make the Most of Summer Tomatoes
Late summer tomatoes are at their peak, making them perfect for simple meals.
Add fresh tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, salsa, or pasta. Their natural flavor means you don't need much more than fresh herbs, olive oil, and a little seasoning.
Enjoy Corn While It's Fresh
Sweet summer corn is another August favorite. It adds a natural sweetness and texture to any summer meal. Try it:
- Grilled and served with lime
- Added to salads
- Mixed into salsa
- Tossed into grain bowls
- Combined with black beans and avocado for a delicious dip
Don't Forget Peppers and Eggplant
Peppers and eggplant are incredibly versatile and can help bridge the gap between summer and fall cooking. Grill, roast, or sauté them and add them to sandwiches, wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
They can also be prepared ahead of time, making them useful for quick weekday meals!
Welcome Early Apples
As summer winds down, apples begin appearing alongside late-summer produce. Apples are a convenient source of fiber and make an easy snack when paired with almond butter, nuts, or seeds.
Try slicing them into salads or adding them to overnight oats for a simple seasonal transition.
Keep Your Produce Colorful
One of the easiest ways to keep eating well as the seasons change is to focus on variety.
Look for different colors and textures when shopping. Combining leafy greens, red tomatoes, yellow corn, purple eggplant, orange peppers, and fresh fruit creates meals that are both beautiful and nutrient-rich.
Preserve the Season
If you find yourself with more produce than you can use, consider freezing or preserving some of your favorites. Frozen berries can be used in smoothies throughout the year, while chopped vegetables can be frozen for soups, stews, and grain bowls.
Preserving summer produce lets you enjoy the flavors of the season even after the weather begins to cool.
Enjoy the final weeks of juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, colorful peppers, and fresh fruit while beginning to explore the apples and other ingredients that signal fall!
