August Farmers Market Guide: What's in Season in Portland, Oregon
August is one of the best times of year to visit a farmers market in the Portland area. With gardens and farms at their peak, you’ll find colorful fruits and vegetables bursting with flavor. Shopping seasonally helps to support local farmers and enjoy food at its freshest and tastiest. In today’s post, I'll share what’s in season this time of year, nutrition highlights, and how to best enjoy your summer produce.
Tomatoes
August is peak tomato season, so you’ll find everything from sweet cherry tomatoes to colorful heirloom varieties.
Nutrition highlights:
Rich in vitamin C
Good source of potassium
Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health
Easy ways to enjoy them:
Slice onto sandwiches or burgers
Toss into salads with fresh basil and mozzarella
Roast with olive oil and garlic
Make a fresh salsa
Peaches and nectarines
Sweet, juicy peaches and nectarines are a true sign of summer in Oregon. They are delicious on their own or paired with both sweet and savory meals.
Nutrition highlights:
Good source of vitamin C
Provides fiber for digestive health
Contains potassium
Easy ways to enjoy them:
Mix into Greek yogurt
Chop into oatmeal
Grill alongside chicken or pork
Add to a spinach salad with goat cheese and walnuts
Berries
Oregon is known for its incredible berries. Depending on the week, you may find blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Nutrition highlights:
High in fiber
Packed with vitamin C
Rich in antioxidants
Easy ways to enjoy them:
Add to overnight oats or yogurt
Blend into smoothies
Sprinkle over cottage cheese
Freeze extras to enjoy later in the year
Sweet corn
Fresh-picked corn is a versatile ingredient that works well as a side dish or mixed into meals.
Nutrition highlights:
Provides fiber
Contains B vitamins
Offers carbohydrates that fuel your body
Easy ways to enjoy them:
Grill the whole cob
Add to salads
Mix into tacos or burrito bowls
Combine with black beans and tomatoes for a simple summer salad
Cucumbers
Cool, crisp cucumbers are especially refreshing on warm summer days.
Nutrition highlights:
High water content to support hydration
Provides vitamin K
Easy ways to enjoy them:
Slice into salads
Dip in hummus or tzatziki
Add to sandwiches
Infuse into water with lemon and mint
Zucchini and summer squash
If you’re ever grown zucchini, you know how abundant it can be this time of year!
Nutrition highlights:
Contains fiber
Provides vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium
Easy ways to enjoy them:
Roast or grill as a side dish
Add to stir-fries
Toss into pasta dishes
Shred into muffins or quick breads
Mix into soups
Bell peppers
August brings vibrantly colored bell peppers to local markets.
Nutrition highlights:
Excellent source of vitamin C
Rich in vitamin A
Easy ways to enjoy them:
Slice with hummus
Add to fajitas
Roast for grain bowls
Stuff with lean protein and whole grains
Tips for shopping the farmers market
Here are a few simple strategies that can help you make the most of your visit:
Walk through the market before making purchases so you can compare what's available.
Bring reusable shopping bags and, if you have a longer drive home, consider bringing a small cooler.
Ask farmers how they recommend storing or preparing unfamiliar produce.
Buy only what you can realistically use over the next several days to help reduce food waste.
Try one new fruit or vegetable each visit. You might discover a new favorite!
Eating more fruits and vegetables doesn't have to be complicated. This August, try adding a few seasonal favorites to your shopping list and build simple meals by pairing produce with a protein, a whole grain, and a healthy fat. Shopping at your local farmers market is an easy way to enjoy fresh, flavorful foods while supporting local farmers and making healthy eating both simple and delicious.
