What’s in Season in August

Green-beans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s hard to believe it is August already but the back to school sales and monsoon rainstorms don’t lie.  But even though summer has peaked and we are firmly heading toward fall, there is no reason to dismay.  Hopefully, August will bring some much needed rain, but whether it rains or not, you can be sure August will bring new fruits and veggies to your local farmers market and grocery store.  Be sure to ask for locally grown produce, meat, poultry, and dairy whenever you shop and support the efforts of our local farmers and ranchers.

Here is what you can expect to find fresh from the farm this month and some ways to use these fresh Arizona ingredients to fill your plate with seasonal favorites grown right here at home.

Apples

• German Apple Pancake
• Apple Crisp

Basil

• Armenian Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Cantaloupe Basil Salsa

Black-eyed Peas

• Creole Black Eyed Peas and Rice
• Black Eyed Pea Salad

Chiles

• Arizona Quiche
• Cole’s Screaming Hot Salsa Verde

Corn

• Corn and Black Bean Salsa
• Tamale Pie

Cucumbers

• Melon Cucumber Salad
• Pennee’s Fresh Cucumber Delight

Figs

• Fig and Lemon Chicken
• Burrata Bruschetta with Figs

Grapes

• Pistachio Salad
• Chutney Melon Chicken Salad

Green Beans

• Brent’s Honey Bacon Green Bean Bundles
• Corn and Green Bean Salad

Melons

• Arizona Melon Dessert
• Cool Arizona Melon Soup

Okra

• Hearty Hamburger Stew
• Okra and Tomatoes

Peaches

• Peach Paradise
• Mosaic Fruit Rollups

Pears

• Farmer’s Favorite Salad
• Apple Pear Salad

Plums

• Plum Dumplings
• Wacky Mac and Plum Summer Salad

Potatoes

• Creamy Potatoes
• Julie’s Oven Roasted Red Potatoes and Asparagus

Pumpkins

• Grandma Gertie’s Pumpkin Pie
• Pumpkin Milkshake

Shelling Beans

• Fresh Shelling Bean Salad
• Shell Bean Succotash

Summer Squash

• Grilled Summer Squash
• Mexican Summer Squash

Winter Squash

• Roasted Winter Squash
• Double Stuffed Butternut Squash

Sweet Peppers

• Join the Party Salad
• Sharla’s Arizona Beef and Veggie Stir Fry

Tomatoes

• Abby’s Yummy Veggie Pizza
• Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes

Zucchini

• Calabacitas
• Ratatouille

Zucchini Blossoms

• Grilled Fish with Crab Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms and White Wine Sauce
• Pasta with Zucchini, Zucchini Blossoms, and Caramelized Onions

Related articles

• What’s in Season in July (fillyourplate.org)
• Beat the Heat – Easy Oven and Stove Free Dinners (fillyourplate.org)
• Perfect Food for Poolside Parties (fillyourplate.org)