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Best August Fruits and Vegetables: In Season and Nutrient-Rich

By Joe Boland

July 28, 2024

August is a wonderful month for fresh produce, with a bounty of fruits and vegetables at their peak. Eating in-season produce ensures the best flavor, nutrients and, often, the best prices.

Let's explore some of the top fruits and vegetables you should look for this month, the benefits of eating foods in season in August and ways to use this August produce.

August Vegetables in Season

1. Tomatoes

Juicy, flavorful and versatile, tomatoes are a staple in summer kitchens. They’re rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate and antioxidants like lycopene, which may promote the health of your heart and aid in proper healthy immune system function.

You can slice up fresh, raw tomatoes and toss them in salads, salsa or caprese. They also make for great toppings to a burger or other sandwiches and of course can be eaten on their own.

In addition, you can roast or grill tomatoes as a side dish or use tomatoes in sauces or summertime stews. Try this Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe with Bone Broth Protein.

2. Zucchini

A type of summer squash, zucchini is mild in flavor and versatile in cooking. It’s loaded with vitamins A and C, plus has a healthy amount of manganese and fiber, which can benefit the eyes and potentially even the gut.

While zucchini is typically cooked, you can spiralize raw zucchini to add to salads or slice it up and eat as part of a crudité. Of course, you can grill, sauté and bake zucchini to use in casseroles or as a side dish, and zucchini bread is a popular way to use this August veggie.

Oh, and don’t forget about zoodles, which make for a healthy food swap in place of carb-heavy pasta.

3. Bell peppers

Available in a variety of colors, bell peppers add a sweet crunch to dishes. These August produce staples can help support healthy immune system function and skin thanks to their rich nutrients, including vitamins C and A, along with a slew of antioxidants.

Bell peppers can be eaten on their own as a healthy snack, or you can slice them up and add them to salads, veggie trays or sandwiches. They’re also extremely versatile in hot dishes, as you can roast them, add them to stir-fries and fajitas, put them on kabobs, or even make stuffed peppers as a main dish.

Try this Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Recipe, or make a Veggie Frittata with Red Bell Pepper.

4. Cucumbers

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are perfect for hydrating snacks and meals. They’re low in calories, high in water content (perfect for summer) and contain vitamin K, which is important for strong bones.

Slice up some raw cucumbers to eat on their own, or add them to salads, sandwiches or even ferment them to make pickles. You can cook them as well, such as sautéing them with some herbs for a side dish or to add a little nutritional value to a dish.

That’s not all. Cucumbers make great additions to healthy drinks, such as a Cucumber Limeade Mocktail, Cucumber Juice, or Detox Water with Cucumber, Lemon and Mint.

5. Eggplant

Eggplants have a unique texture and flavor that makes them a culinary favorite. High in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins B1 and B6, they’re known to support heart health and healthy brain function.

This August vegetable is rarely eaten raw, but it can be thinly sliced to add to salads. There is no shortage of ways to use cooked eggplant, however. You can grill or roast it, use it in ratatouille or casseroles, make eggplant parmesan, or add it as a part of a curry dish, for instance.

6. Green beans

Tender and crisp, green beans are a summer classic. Thanks to the fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K they hold, green beans help support bone strength and proper healthy immune system function.

This August vegetable isn’t often eaten raw, but you can add raw green beans to salad or enjoy them as a snack on their own. They’re usually eaten cooked, though, whether you steam them, sauté them, bake them or use them in a stir-fry. And don’t forget the classic Green Bean Casserole that makes for a hearty dinner.

7. Corn

Sweet and juicy, fresh corn is a summer delight that’s high in fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants and vitamin C. It’s known to support eye health and proper digestion.

Another August vegetable in season that is usually cooked, you can eat raw corn, whether right off the cob or removed from the cob and tossed in salads or salsa recipes. Meanwhile, you can also eat cooked corn on the cob or grill, boil, bake, steam, etc., corn to use in casseroles, cornbread or a side dish all on its own.

8. Okra

Known for its unique texture, okra is a Southern favorite that’s been shown to help with proper function of a healthy immune system and makes for a healthy veggie to eat during pregnancy. (Of course, you should always consult with your healthcare professional.) That’s because okra provides a good amount of folate, vitamins C and K and fiber.

Raw okra can be cut up and added to salads or even used to make pickled okra. It also is perfect for pan-frying and sautéing, and okra is often added to gumbos, stews and curries.

9. Carrots

Sweet and crunchy, carrots are a versatile root vegetable. Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K and potassium, they’re known to promote vision health and support the heart.

Raw carrots make for a great snack on their own, and you can add them to salads, cole slaw and just about any fresh, raw dish you can imagine. Carrots are also one of the most versatile August vegetables when cooked, whether you roast them, bake them, steam them or even grill them.

Carrots are included in this Ancient Grains Veggie Bowl Recipe, or you can go the dessert route with the following carrot recipes:

• Carrot Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

• Carrot Cake Protein Bars

• Quick, Low-Carb Vegan Carrot Mug Cake

• Carrot Cake Collagen Bars

10. Kale

A nutrient-dense leafy green with a slightly bitter flavor, kale is a true superfood loaded with nutrients such as calcium, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C and K. It helps with a healthy response to inflammation and is known as a food that supports bone health.

Chop up some raw kale to add to salads or smoothies. You can also sauté or steam kale to make delicious sides, add to hot recipes or even make kale chips.

Try this Collagen Kale Smoothie or Kale Quinoa Cakes with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce.

11. Broccoli

A cruciferous vegetable known for its slightly bitter and earthy flavor, broccoli is known for its ability to help keep the immune system functioning properly. This August vegetable is high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and many antioxidants.

Like most of the August produce in season, you can eat raw broccoli as a snack on its own or add it to salads, slaws and more. There are plenty of ways to cook broccoli too, whether steaming it, roasting it, baking it or adding it to stir-fries. This Broccoli Slaw is a perfect way to use this August vegetable.

August Fruits in Season

1. Watermelon

Sweet, juicy and hydrating, watermelon is a summer staple. This August fruit is high in vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants. It helps hydrate the body, and it supports a healthy response to inflammation.

Eat some raw watermelon on its own, or add it to fruit salads, smoothies or other health-promoting beverages.. You can even grill it for a unique, caramelized flavor. Watermelon Agua Fresca and Frozen Watermelon Margarita Mocktail are two great watermelon recipes for August.

2. Peaches

Juicy and fragrant, peaches are perfect for summer desserts and other dishes. Rich in vitamins A and C and fiber, they support skin health and healthy digestion.

In addition to snacking on a raw peach, you can slice it up and add it to salads or a plethora of desserts. Baking and grilling peaches also bring out more flavors if you’re looking to cook them.

Try this Peach Smoothie or a delectable Grilled Peach Yogurt Parfait.

3. Plums

Sweet, tart and juicy, plums add a burst of flavor to dishes. They’re known to support the heart and help the body respond healthily to inflammation, and plums provide a hearty amount of antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin K.

Use plums in a similar fashion as peaches, such as adding raw plums to salads or eating them as snacks. They’re also good for baking and to make different sauces and compotes.

4. Blackberries

Juicy and slightly tart, blackberries are great for snacking and baking. They’re high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants and are known to support brain health.

Add raw blackberries to yogurt or salads, or eat them on their own as a snack. You can bake them in different desserts, such as pies and muffins, or use them to make jams and sauces.

5. Blueberries

Sweet and antioxidant-rich, blueberries are a superfood favorite. Packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants they support brain health and a healthy bodily response to inflammation.

Just like pretty much all the August fruit in season, raw blueberries make for a great snack on their own. You can also add them to cereals, salads or smoothies.

Meanwhile, cooked blueberries work well in baked goods, such as muffins, and you can add them to pancakes or make sauces and compotes.

Here are some blueberry recipes to try:

• Blueberry Keto Smoothie

• Multi Collagen Blueberry Banana Smoothie

• Blueberry Dutch Baby Pancake

• Homemade Donut Holes

• Bone Broth Protein Blueberry Macadamia Nut Bar

• Blueberry Lemon Chia Seed Pudding

6. Figs

Sweet and chewy, figs are a unique and delicious fruit. High in fiber, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants, they support digestive health and bone health.

Raw figs can be sliced and eaten as a snack or added to salads or even cheese boards. You also can bake or grill them and use them in jams, desserts and savory dishes. Try this Protein Fig Bars Recipe.

7. Grapes

Grapes are perfect for snacking and cooking with their sweet and refreshing flavor. They are known to help with heart health and aiding the body in responding in a healthy manner to inflammation, thanks to their antioxidants and vitamins C and K content.

Enjoy raw grapes on their own, or add to salads and cheese boards. You also can roast them or use grapes in sauces and desserts.

8. Mango

Mango is a summer favorite, known for its sweet, juicy and tropical taste. Mangos are high in vitamin A, antioxidants and vitamin C, and they support eye health and healthy immune system function.

Slice raw mango for snacks, salads, smoothies or salsas, or cook it to use in chutneys, desserts and marinades.

9. Raspberries

Sweet and slightly tart, raspberries are perfect for summer. This August fruit provides vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, and raspberries are known to support the heart and a healthy response to inflammation.

Eat raw raspberries on their own, or add them to cereals, salads or other snacks. Baked raspberries go well in jams, sauces and desserts, such as these Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls.

10. Honeydew melon

Sweet and refreshing, honeydew melon is perfect for hot days. High in vitamins C and B6 and potassium, honeydew supports hydration and muscle function.

Slice up raw honeydew for snacks, salads or smoothies. This August fruit is rarely cooked and best enjoyed fresh.

11. Apples

Apples are a versatile fruit enjoyed year-round thanks to their crisp, sweet and tangy taste. An apple a day will provide fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants, which play a part in this August fruit’s status as heart-healthy and good for proper digestion.

In addition to biting into a raw apple and eating it as a snack, you can add apples to salads, sandwiches and fruit trays. You can also bake them to make apple pie or apple crisps, roast them to complement a meat dish, or make homemade applesauce.

Make some homemade Apple Cider or this Healthy Gluten-Free Apple Pie.

12. Cantaloupe

Sweet and juicy, cantaloupe is a refreshing summer fruit. It has a good amount of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, and it’s known to support a healthy immune system and skin health.

Like honeydew, it’s rarely cooked and best enjoyed fresh. Slice up raw cantaloupe for snacks, salads or smoothies.

13. Cherries

Cherries are a delightful summer fruit and are on the list of August produce in season. They can be sweet or tart and provide high levels of vitamins C and A, fiber, and antioxidants. Cherries are known to help with a healthy response to inflammation and are good for the heart.

Enjoy them raw as snacks, or add cherries to salads, desserts or smoothies, such as a Cherry Vanilla Collagen Smoothie. You can bake them as well in pies and tarts, and they can be used to make sauces and jams.

14. Strawberries

Thanks to their sweet and juicy flavor, strawberries are a summer favorite and definitely an August fruit in season. High in vitamin C, manganese, fiber and antioxidants, strawberries support a healthy immune system and skin health.

Add raw to cereals, salads, healthy beverages, smoothies or snacks — or eat them on their own. They work well in baked goods and can be cooked to make jams or sauces.

Here are some strawberry recipes to try:

• Strawberry Lemonade

• Eggless Strawberry Ice Cream

• Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies

• Papaya Smoothie with Strawberries and Kefir

• Strawberry Lemonade Collagen Popsicles

August is a fantastic month to enjoy a wide variety of fresh, in-season produce. From juicy fruits to crisp vegetables, incorporating these seasonal delights into your diet can enhance your meals and boost your health.

Visit your local farmers market or grocery store to find the best of what August produce has to offer.