Washington Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in August

Your Guide to Fresh Produce

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

August in Washington State is a bountiful period for local produce, marking a high point in the harvest calendar. Consumers and chefs alike eagerly await the ripening of a variety of fruits and vegetables, which reach peak freshness and flavor during this month. Among the produce to look for, cantaloupes (how long does cantaloupe last?), carrots, and celery (how long does celery last?) stand out, with each being harvested within this timeframe. The state's agricultural prowess is showcased through these seasonal offerings, providing an array of vibrant, nutritious options for the summer table.

The landscape of farmers' markets and grocery stores in Washington transforms, celebrating the state's farming capabilities. Corn (how long does corn last?), a staple of American cuisine, and cherries (how long do cherries last?), a sweet treat savored for their juiciness, are readily available. Cauliflower and chard also join the extensive list of August produce, giving consumers ample opportunity to indulge in the freshest local produce. The cornucopia of summer fruits and vegetables provides a testament to Washington's rich and diverse agricultural industry.

Washington's favorable growing conditions yield an assortment of fresh produce throughout the year, but August stands out with its prolific variety. Chiles, collard greens (how long do collard greens last?), and an array of orchard fruits, such as pears and apples, begin to make their appearances, signaling the transition from summer to fall. These seasonal foods not only enhance the culinary experience but also support local economies and sustainable farming practices, underscoring the importance of seasonal eating.

Overview of Washington's Seasonal Produce

In August, Washington's farms offer an abundance of fresh produce. This is a prime time for the state's diverse and seasonally-driven crops.

Importance of Seasonal Eating

Seasonal eating in Washington State underscores the importance of consuming produce at its peak of freshness and nutritional value. During the summer month of August, fruits like peaches, nectarines, and berries are not just at their finest in terms of flavor, but also offer heightened levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and squash also grace tables with optimal taste and nutrient profiles.

Fruits:
- Peaches, nectarines, blackberries (how long do blackberries last?), blueberries, raspberries
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes, sweet corn, summer squash, cucumbers (how long do cucumbers last?)

By choosing local, seasonal foods, consumers support their health and allow themselves to enjoy produce when it's most flavorful.

Seasonal Eating and Local Farms

Local farms in Washington are integral to the state's commitment to seasonal eating. They provide a network that can deliver fresh produce directly to consumers, often within a day of harvest. In summer, these farms pivot to a wide range of vegetables and fruits, delivering them to local markets, thus reducing the state's carbon footprint by minimizing long-distance food transport.

Local Farm Offerings in August:
- Fruits: Plums, pears, apples
- Vegetables: Green beans, peppers, beets, carrots

Through direct farm-to-table supply routes, Washington's local agriculture fosters a strong community bond and helps maintain a resilient, sustainable food system.

August Produce Guide

In August, consumers can find a wide array of fresh and flavorful fruits and vegetables in Washington. This guide highlights the season's best offerings that can enhance any summer meal.

Fruit Highlights

Cherries: Harvested in June and July, it’s the tail end for cherries, but they can still be found fresh in the early days of August.
Blackberries: Prime blackberry season means these berries are at their juiciest.

Vegetable Highlights

Corn: Sweet and abundant, corn is a staple of the summer table.
Tomatoes: As August days warm, tomatoes hit their peak, offering a variety of sizes and colors.
Zucchini: A versatile vegetable that continues to flourish through August.

Fruits in Season

August in Washington sees a bountiful harvest of various fruits. During this time, orchards and farms offer a sweet and juicy selection, particularly stone fruits, berries, and melons.

Stone Fruits

Peaches: These fuzzy fruits are at their peak in August, brimming with sweetness.
Nectarines: Similar to peaches but with smooth skin, nectarines are plentiful and full-flavored.
Plums: Offering a diverse palette from sweet to tart, plums are readily available and ripe for enjoyment.

Berries

Blackberries: These berries are especially sweet and abundant, found both in wild patches and cultivated farms.
Blueberries: Known for their versatility, blueberries are at their finest, perfect for fresh eating or in recipes.

Melons

Watermelon: Synonymous with summer, watermelons are in season, offering cool, hydrating sweetness.
Cantaloup: Also referred to as muskmelons, these melons feature a netted rind and lush, fragrant flesh.

Vegetables in Season

August in Washington brings a bounty of vegetables to the table, each ripe and ready for enjoying. These vegetables span from verdant greens to hearty root vegetables and include the summer's quintessential squashes.

Green Vegetables

In August, green vegetables are at their peak in Washington. Corn is sweet and abundant, with its golden kernels offering a summer staple that’s versatile for grilling or boiling. Green beans are crisp and tender, ideal for side dishes or salads. Garden-fresh celery and verdant cucumbers are perfect for adding a crisp crunch to meals or enjoying on their own as a refreshing snack.

Root Vegetables

This month also highlights a variety of root vegetables. Onions and garlic, essential flavor bases for countless recipes, are harvested with full-bodied flavor profiles. These aromatics are ample and can be found fresh from local farms, imparting rich depth to any dish they grace.

Summer Squashes

Washington’s August warmth nurtures a selection of summer squashes, including the ever-popular zucchini and summer squash. These squashes are tender and mild, excellent for grilling, sautéing, or incorporating into a summer vegetable medley. Eggplant (What wine goes well with eggplant?), with its glossy purple skin, offers a meaty texture, making it a great candidate for a variety of cuisines and preparations, from ratatouille (What wine goes well with ratatouille?) to eggplant parmesan (What wine goes well with eggplant parmesan?).

Seasonal Recipes and Preparations

In August, Washington's seasonal produce provides a wealth of options for creating vibrant dishes. From the tang of ripe tomatoes to the crunch of fresh corn, local ingredients are particularly suited for a range of recipes, from simple salads to hearty main courses and even home canning.

Healthy Salads and Starters

An array of vegetables come into their prime in August. For starters, Cucumber Salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing beginning to any meal. Washington's cherry tomatoes and sweet corn can star in a Summer Corn Salad—simply combine these with fresh basil (how long does basil last?), a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Recipes focusing on Salsa preparations are especially apt in August with a profusion of tomatoes and chiles. A classic Pico de Gallo spotlights the season's best tomatoes, chiles, and cilantro, all finely chopped and combined with a hint of lime juice and salt.

Main Courses

Corn and tomatoes again shine in main courses. They serve as ideal complements to grilled meats (What wine goes well with grilled meats?) or fish, but they can also be the stars themselves. For instance, a Tomato Basil Pasta integrates freshly picked tomatoes and aromatic basil with a light garlic and olive oil sauce served over pasta.

Eggplants (What wine goes well with eggplant?), another seasonal delight, can be transformed into Baba Ganoush, a smooth and smoky Middle Eastern dip. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served with pita as an appetizer or side.

Preserving the Harvest

Preserving allows the flavors of August to be enjoyed well beyond their season. Pickles, made from crisp cucumbers, are a must-have for any preservation effort. Utilizing a brine of vinegar, water, and spices, these pickles can range from sweet to dill (how long does dill last?)to spicy.

Another popular method of preservation is making Salsa for canning. It can be enjoyed for months to come and is a perfect use for the abundance of tomatoes and peppers.

Incorporating Washington’s seasonal fruits and vegetables into recipes and preparations like these allows one to take full advantage of the freshness and abundance of the harvest.

Finding Local Produce

In Washington State, the abundance of August's harvest makes it an ideal time to explore various local venues offering fresh produce. Consumers can engage directly with farmers and tap into the seasonal rhythms of the region's agriculture.

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets represent a cornucopia of Washington's freshest produce, with stalls often manned by the growers themselves. Shoppers have the opportunity to ask questions about farming practices and receive insights into the best selections of the season. Key markets include:

Pike Place Market, Seattle: A historic hub for a diverse array of fruits and vegetables.
Capitol Hill Farmers Market, Seattle: Known for its organic and heirloom offerings.
Vancouver Farmers Market, Vancouver: A large market featuring produce from over 250 vendors.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Community Supported Agriculture allows individuals to subscribe to the harvest of a specific farm or group of farms. Members receive a share of produce throughout the season, fostering a direct connection with agriculture in Washington State. Here are some examples:

Full Circle Farm: Offers a variety of CSA boxes, with customizable options.
Tonnemaker Family Orchard: Known for their stone fruits and organic practices, they provide a seasonal CSA.

U-Pick Farms

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, U-Pick farms across Washington State invite visitors to harvest their own fruits and vegetables. This offers a chance to experience farming firsthand and ensures the freshest possible produce. Some popular U-Pick farms include:

Remlinger Farms, Carnation: Features berries, pumpkins, and family activities.
Stoney Ridge Farm, Everson: Known for their apples and pumpkins during the harvest season.

Month-by-Month Availability Calendar

This section provides a detailed account of Washington's fresh produce available in July, as well as the upcoming shifts as one transitions into September.

What's in Season in July

Fruits:

Cherries: These are at their peak, with varieties like Bing and Rainier widely available.
Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries can be found in abundance.

Vegetables:

Corn: Freshly harvested and sweet.
Cucumbers: Crisp and perfect for salads.
Zucchini: A summer squash staple.

Transitioning to September