Missouri Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in August

Your Guide to Fresh Picks

This Article is Part of our Missouri Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar

In Missouri, August stands out as a bountiful month for harvesting a variety of fruits and vegetables. During this peak summer period, the combination of warm days and cool nights creates an ideal environment for a wide array of produce to thrive. Gardeners and farmers alike eagerly anticipate the ripening of their crops, as this time of year is crucial for yielding the best flavors and the most nutritional value.

Seasonal fruits that reach their prime in August include a sweet and nutritious selection; peaches, blackberries (how long do blackberries last?), and blueberries are among the popular picks. These sun-ripened fruits are not only perfect for fresh eating but are also excellent for jams, pies, and summertime desserts. Missouri's rich soil and favorable climate conditions contribute to the exceptional taste and quality of these seasonal fruits.

Vegetable harvests are equally impressive, with staples like tomatoes, corn, and green beans taking center stage. These vegetables, along with others like eggplant (What wine goes well with eggplant?), peppers, and cucumbers (how long do cucumbers last?), are widely available at local farmers' markets and are a testament to the state's agricultural prowess. Missouri's August produce is often celebrated for its freshness and is sought after for both home cooking and in the culinary scene, providing a farm-to-table experience that supports the local economy and encourages healthy eating.

The Peak of Summer Produce

In Missouri, August marks the height of summer, bringing an abundance of ripe produce to the tables. The heat of the season ensures a wealth of fruits and vegetables, each bursting with flavor and nutrients.

Overview of August Produce

Missouri's August harvest is varied and plentiful. Farm stands and markets overflow with a selection of fruits and vegetables that are at their peak of freshness.

Fruits in Season:

• Peaches: Juicy and fragrant, peaches offer a sweet flavor, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Apples: Starting to appear in markets, varieties range from sweet Gala to tart Pink Lady.

• Cucumbers: Although not typically recognized as fruit, cucumbers are crisp and hydrating.

Vegetables in Season:

• Tomatoes: Available in a spectrum from cherry to beefsteak, tomatoes are juicy and packed with flavor.

• Corn: Kernels are sweetest and most tender, perfect for grilling or boiling.

• Green Beans: Snap-fresh, they retain a pleasant crunch.

Benefits of Seasonal Eating

Eating seasonally in the summer months comes with several benefits. Fruits and vegetables harvested at the peak of their seasonality offer richer flavors and are often more nutrient-dense. The food that is picked and eaten at its ripest is packed with natural sugars, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can enhance any meal both in terms of taste and nutritional value. Seasonal eating supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transport.

Fruit Harvest in August

Missouri's climate in August provides an abundance of ripe fruits. This period is peak season for a variety of fresh produce, notably hearty stone fruits, a diverse range of berries, and succulent melons. These fruits are typically at their best in quality and flavor.

Stone Fruits

• Peaches: They are juicy and ripe, reaching peak sweetness.

• Plums: Available in several varieties, with a sweet and tart flavor profile.

• Nectarines: Similar to peaches, nectarines are smooth-skinned and ripe for enjoyment.

Stone fruits should be selected based on their firmness and should give slightly when gently pressed.

Berries

• Blackberries: These berries are at their most plump and flavorful.

• Blueberries: Still available in early August, although nearing the end of their season.

• Raspberries: Perfect for eating fresh or in preserves.

Berries are delicate; they should be consumed soon after purchase or harvest to enjoy their full freshness.

Melons

• Watermelon: A quintessential summer fruit known for its hydrating and sweet properties.

• Cantaloupe (how long does cantaloupe last?): Also known as muskmelon; these melons have a netted rind and sweet orange flesh.

Melons should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness, and have a sweet aroma at the stem end.

Vegetable Bounty

In August, Missouri's vegetable harvest is in full swing, featuring a diverse array of produce ranging from flavorful nightshades to versatile squashes and nutritious beans and legumes.

Nightshades

Missouri's August heat brings a surge in nightshade vegetables, known for their rich flavors and culinary versatility. Tomatoes are at their peak, offering a range from heirloom varieties to cherry tomatoes, all boasting a vibrant taste profile. Eggplant (What wine goes well with eggplant?) and peppers also join the list, with varieties that span from sweet bell peppers to the more piquant options like jalapeños.

• Tomatoes: Heirloom, Cherry, Beefsteak

• Eggplant: Globe, Japanese

• Peppers: Bell, Jalapeño, Banana

Squashes

The squash family is well-represented with both zucchini and summer squash being readily available. Their tender flesh makes them perfect for grilling, sautéing, or even raw preparations in salads.

• Zucchini: Ideal for breads and sautés

• Summer Squash: Yellow crookneck, Pattypan

Beans and Legumes

Green beans and okra stand out in the legume category, with their crisp texture and grassy notes. They are often found in farmers' markets and are commonly used in side dishes, stews, and pickling recipes.

• Green Beans: Snap beans, perfect for blanching or sautéing

• Okra: Ideal for pickling, frying, or adding to gumbo

Incorporating these fresh Missouri vegetables in August menus not only supports local agriculture but ensures that dishes have the freshest flavors and highest nutritional value.

Herbs and Greens

In the warm month of August, Missouri's gardens are abundant with a variety of herbs and greens which are integral for nutritious and flavorful meals.

Leafy Greens

Missouri's August harvest includes a range of leafy greens, rich in vitamins and minerals. This month, gardeners and farmers bring to the table:

• Kale: A robust green, known for its nutritional benefits and versatility in dishes from salads to smoothies.

• Chard: With its colorful stems and dark, leafy greens, chard is a nutritious addition to any meal.

• Arugula: This peppery leaf is often used in salads and as a fresh garnish.

Each of these greens brings its own unique taste and texture, offering a variety of options for health-conscious consumers.

Culinary Herbs

The cultivation of culinary herbs in August delivers aromatic flavors to Missouri kitchens. Fresh herbs are readily available, including:

• Basil: (how long does basil last?) A summer favorite often paired with tomatoes, it's indispensable in pesto and Italian cuisine.

• Cilantro: With its bright and citrus-like flavor, it's a staple in salsa and many Asian and Latin dishes.

• Parsley: A versatile herb used both for its flavor and as a garnish in a multitude of recipes.

These herbs not only enhance the taste of dishes but also contribute beneficial nutrients.

Seasonal Recipes and Preparations

August in Missouri offers a bounty of fresh produce perfect for a variety of recipes. From vibrant salads showcasing ripe tomatoes to succulent grilled peaches, there are numerous ways to celebrate the flavors of the season.

Salads and Raw Dishes

Missouri's August produce lends itself perfectly to refreshing salads and raw preparations. Tomatoes, at their peak during this month, can be sliced and layered with fresh basil and mozzarella for a classic Caprese salad (What wine goes well with caprese salad?), drizzled with balsamic glaze. Alternatively, ripe cucumbers and peppers can be tossed into a crisp garden salad, elevated with a homemade herb vinaigrette.

• Tomato Caprese Salad

  • Tomatoes: Sliced

  • Fresh basil: Chopped

  • Mozzarella: Sliced

  • Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle

• Crisp Garden Salad

  • Cucumbers: Chopped

  • Peppers: Sliced

  • Herb Vinaigrette: Toss

Cooking and Grilling

The high heat of grilling transforms the natural sugars in Missouri's seasonal fruits and vegetables, creating rich, smoky flavors. Produce such as eggplant can be turned into a delectable baba ganoush with a hint of char from the grill. Corn, also in season, can be cooked directly on the grill to make a smoky side dish, or stripped from its cob and incorporated into warm salads or salsas.

• Grilled Eggplant (What wine goes well with grilled eggplant?) Baba Ganoush

  • Eggplant: Grilled until charred

  • Tahini, garlic, lemon juice: Blend with eggplant

• Grilled Corn

  • Corn on the cob: Grilled until charred

  • Butter, salt, pepper: Season

Preserves and Canning

Preserving August's harvest allows one to enjoy the essence of summer well into the cooler months. Jams made from fresh peaches and blackberries can capture the sweetness of summer. Easy refrigerator pickles can be created using the abundant cucumbers, flavored with dill (how long does dill last?) and garlic. These preserves and canned goods serve as wonderful reminders of the season's generosity.

• Summer Fruit Jams

  • Peaches/Blackberries: Prepare fruit

  • Sugar, pectin (how long does pectin last?): Cook to desired consistency

  • Sterilized jars: Fill and seal

• Refrigerator Pickles

  • Cucumbers: Slice

  • Vinegar, water, dill, garlic: Combine and pour over cucumbers

  • Refrigerate: Store

Local Food Markets and Gardens

In August, Missouri's local food scenes such as farmers' markets and community gardens are at their peak, offering a bounty of fresh produce. Visitors can find an array of fruits and vegetables, from Brussels sprouts (how long do brussels sprouts last?)to a sweet medley of melons, along with unique local offerings like homemade jams and pure honey.

Farmers' Markets

Farmers' markets across Missouri present a vibrant tableau of the state's agricultural produce. In August, these markets are brimming with freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, providing a rich selection for a seasonal produce guide. Consumers can expect to find items such as:

• Fruits: Cantaloupes, Watermelons, Peaches

• Vegetables: Tomatoes, Green Beans, Zucchini, Sweet Corn

Shoppers often have the chance to purchase additional homemade goods, such as jam crafted from local berries and honey sourced from nearby apiaries. These markets not only offer fresh, high-quality food but also support the local economy and build community relationships.

Community Gardens

Community Gardens serve as another crucial element within Missouri's local food network. These gardens often facilitate the cultivation of a variety of produce that becomes part of the August harvest. Individuals involved in these gardens share in the effort and the bounty, sometimes providing surplus to local food banks or selling at small-scale stands. Such gardens contribute to:

• Sustainability: They encourage locally-grown, environmentally responsible produce.

• Education: They provide a hands-on environment for learning about gardening and nutrition.

Both farmers' markets and community gardens testify to Missouri's dedication to sustaining locally sourced food and fostering a connection between growers and consumers.

Missouri's Seasonality and Agriculture

Missouri’s diverse climate and rich soil contribute to a robust agricultural industry, which flourishes particularly in the warmer months ranging from May through August, providing an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Understanding Local Climate

Missouri's climate is classified as humid continental, creating distinct seasonal shifts that directly influence agricultural cycles. Summer in Missouri typically sees hot temperatures with ample rainfall, conditions which support the growth of a wide variety of produce. Peak harvest for many fruits and vegetables occurs in the warmer months, including July and August, when the state experiences its most fertile growing conditions.

• Summer: Temperatures often reach above 90°F (32°C), with increased humidity.

• Spring: A transitional period starting as early as May, with rising temperatures.

Agricultural Variants

Missouri's rich agricultural diversity is evident in the numerous fruit and vegetable variants harvested throughout the state. The state excels in producing specific fruits in the summer, such as:

• Blackberries: Harvested from July into August.

• Peaches: Available June through October.

• Tomatoes: Prime season lasts from July to October.

As well as vegetables that thrive in various parts of the season, including:

• Broccoli: June through October.

• Brussels Sprouts: August through November.

Missouri farmers adeptly navigate the seasonal patterns to deliver a variety of locally-grown produce, which often peaks during the months of May to August, including early plantings that become available in spring and continue to yield into the late summer.