A Guide to Eating Well This August (with What’s in Season)
From berries to tomatoes, sweet corn, and more, August delivers some of the freshest and most flavorful produce of the year. If you’re looking for ways to nourish your body with fresh, seasonal food, now is the perfect time. Whether you're shopping at farmers markets, signing up for a CSA, or just browsing the produce aisle, eating with the season helps you get the most flavor, nutrition, and value out of your meals. In today’s post, I’ll share what produce is in season, the benefits of seasonal eating, nutritional highlights, and tips for getting the most out of these delicious summer foods.
What’s in season this month?
August offers some of the most vibrant and nutritious produce of the year. Here's what to look for:
Fruits
Berries – Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are still going strong. Great for snacking, tossing in salads, or freezing for later.
Peaches & nectarines –Perfect for grilling, baking, or blending into smoothies.
Plums – Amazing on their own!
Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are hydrating and satisfying.
Early apples – Great for slicing or baking.
Vegetables
Tomatoes – Heirloom, cherry, and Roma varieties are at their peak and packed with lycopene.
Zucchini and summer squash – Versatile and perfect for sautéing, grilling, or spiralizing.
Corn – Naturally sweet and full of fiber. Enjoy raw, grilled, or in salads.
Cucumbers – Great for snacking or pickling.
Bell peppers – Colorful, sweet, and rich in vitamin C.
Green beans – Crisp when fresh and perfect for a quick steam or sauté.
Eggplant – A hearty base for plant-based meals or summer grilling.
Why eat in season?
Eating seasonal produce is a smart way to:
Boost nutrition - Produce harvested at peak ripeness often has higher nutrient content.
Support local farms – Seasonal food is more likely to be grown nearby.
Save money – In-season foods are typically more abundant and less expensive.
Reduce environmental impact – Fewer miles traveled = lower carbon footprint.
Nutritional highlights
Here are a few August standouts:
Tomatoes – Packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart and skin health.
Blueberries – High in antioxidants and fiber, great for brain and gut health.
Zucchini – Low-calorie and hydrating, rich in vitamin C and potassium.
Corn – Provides energizing complex carbs and lutein for eye health.
Peaches – High in vitamin C and great for skin, plus a natural hydration boost.
Shopping and storing tips
Shop early at farmers markets for the best selection.
Store berries unwashed in a paper towel-lined container in the fridge.
Keep tomatoes at room temperature for better flavor.
Use ripe fruit quickly or freeze for smoothies and baking.
Try imperfect produce, it’s often just as good and helps reduce food waste.
Simple ways to enjoy August produce
Need some easy ideas? Here are a few seasonal favorites:
Grilled peach + arugula salad with goat cheese and balsamic glaze.
Tomato-cucumber salad with fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon.
Zucchini noodles with pesto or a quick stir-fry with garlic and sesame oil.
Berry chia jam, just berries, chia seeds, and a splash of lemon juice.
Roasted corn salsa with lime, cilantro, and diced peppers.
As you can see, there are so many fruits and vegetables in-season right now. Seasonal produce often has a higher nutrient content, helps support local farms, saves money, and reduces environmental impact. I’d love to hear what your favorite seasonal summer foods are in the comments below!
