August may be our biggest month for produce in the Pacific Northwest. Farmers plant March through June so our markets start exploding with produce July, August and September. This month features some of our prized produce, including wild berries, apples, pears, figs, peaches, nuts and edible flowers. We’re very fortunate to have so much at our fingertips and so many farmer’s markets in the metro area. Support local farmer’s and go now! August and September will feature amazing foods.
If you’re a fan of peaches and nectarines, this is the month to buy them. We love both sliced and served with cream and cashews (my Father’s favorite) or with yogurt and granola. Of course peach or nectarine ice cream is killer good and pies or crisps will remind you of your best childhood summers. Another favorite way to enjoy, is grilling. If you haven’t had grilled peaches or nectarines, they are amazing! Their sweetness is elevated when grilled and makes them perfect for a summer salad paired with a bitter green, a light vinaigrette and a rich cheese. Here’s a delicious recipe that’s made with grilled nectarines (or peaches). fresh basil, burrata and balsamic vinaigrette. Cheers to summer! https://pepperandsaltkitchen.com/2022/08/02/grilled-nectarine-salad-with-burrata-fresh-herbs-balsamic-vinaigrette/
Here’s what you’ll find at most markets this month:
- Apples
- Artichokes: coming in September
- Arugula
Photo by Pepper & Salt Kitchen
- Basil (see attached recipe)
- Beets
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Boysenberries
- Broccoli:
- Brussels sprouts: coming in September
- Cabbage
- CantaloupesAugust
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery and celeriac
- Celery
- Chard
- Chiles
- Collard greens
- Corn
- Crookneck squash
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Figs
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Green beans
- Green
- Huckleberries
- Jerusalem artichokes / sunchokes
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce
- Melon Varieties
- Mint
- Mushroom Varieties
- Nectarines (see recipe in body of post)
- Onions
- Peaches (see recipe in body of post)
- Pears
- Peppers
- Plums
- Potatoes
- Radicchio
- Radishes
- Raspberries
- Rosemary
- Sage
- ShallotsL coming in September
- Sorrel
- Spinach
- Summer squash
- Winter squash: coming in September
- Thyme
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Watercress
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Featured photo borrowed from Moon and Spoon