Eating with the Season: The Best Seasonal Produce to Enjoy in August
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This time of year showcases the very best of summer’s harvest, offering a diverse array of fresh produce. Summer invites us to spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring simple, seasonal dishes, like crisp salads and light, refreshing meals. From the sweetness of ripe watermelons to the juicy freshness of tomatoes, this time of the year can offer a wonderful array of delicious produce. Let’s take a look at what’s in season this month.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a summer staple, showcasing the season’s bounty. They are perfect for fresh salads, sauces, and refreshing summer soups.
Cucumbers
The saying “cool as a cucumber” best describes this divine vegetable. It is ideal for salads, appetizers, and smoothies. Cucumbers can improve hydration, help manage blood sugar, and promote gut health.
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Peppers
Versatile and abundant, peppers can be incorporated into many of your culinary creations. They will add a fresh crunch to your summer dishes, from salads and stuffed peppers to grilled kabobs. Bell peppers and hot peppers are both in season.
Eggplant
With its rich, creamy, and elegant texture, eggplant is perfect for dipping sauces, curries, and stews. You can prepare grilled eggplant, Baba Ganoush, Greek moussaka, and much more. It is high in polyphenols, which may help people with diabetes to control blood sugar levels.
Related: How to Freeze Eggplant
Zucchini
Zucchini and summer squash are excellent for roasting, grilling, or spiralizing into noodles (zoodles). Zucchini is high in valuable nutrients and antioxidants, which may contribute to healthy digestion, ideal weight, and good eye health.
Corn
Sweet and delicious, summer corn is perfect for grilling or boiling. It goes wonderfully with other summer veggies, creating colorful and delicious side dishes for lazy sunny days. Corn can help improve gut health and vision while controlling cholesterol levels.
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Bok choy
Bok choy is versatile and plentiful leafy greens, ideal for everything from stir fry to salads and soups. Low in calories and high in fiber, you can enjoy their crisp without guilt the entire summer.
Carrots
Sweet, versatile, and refreshing, carrots are perfect for salads, smoothies, and easy summer soups. You can roast them with a few drizzles of olive oil and some fresh herbs for a delicious, crunchy appetizer. A carrot’s micronutrient profile can help control diabetes and boost your immune system.
Beets
With their distinct sweet and earthy flavor, beets offer a burst of flavor in every bite. They are great roasted, pickled, and grated for salads. Their amazing anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the risk of many serious diseases.
Green beans
Green beans will add a fresh crunch to your summer dishes. They are perfect for sautéing, stir-frying, and steaming. Their amazing micronutrient profile can improve bone health and regulate blood pressure.
Berries
Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. As a nutritious powerhouse, berries may offer an array of health benefits. They are excellent for smoothies, porridge, and desserts.
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Pears
Mild and tender, pears are excellent for smoothies, compotes, and refreshing summer desserts. Pears are high in fiber, antioxidants, and valuable nutrients (Vitamin K, Vitamin C, potassium, copper, etc). Did you know that they come in over 3,000 varieties?!
Melons
Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews are perfect for hot summer days. They lower body temperature and keep you hydrated. With a natural cooling impact on the body, melons can provide relief from the heat.
Peaches
With their luscious sweetness and juiciness, peaches are perfect for eating fresh or baking into elegant summer desserts. Rich in many beneficial plant compounds, peaches support your vision, digestion, and immune system.
Plums
With so many varieties, plums are a great addition to numerous summer recipes. They bring their sour sweetness to salads, desserts, and other popular dishes. Like other stone fruits, they are also ideal for jams and compotes. Moreover, plums may offer many advantages, including beautiful skin, bone density, and improved digestion.
Figs
Sophisticated and sweet like natural candy, figs are a great addition to many summer dishes. You can make snacks, salads, and desserts.
Grapes
Sweet and juicy, grapes are the essence of late summer. You can make fruit salads, smoothies, and juices. Grapes may aid heart health, protect against diabetes, and boost your memory!
