Welcome to August! The summer vibes are going strong, and as we inch closer to the next school season, it’s essential to prepare. Remember to include a variety of crisp fruits and vegetables in your provisions. They’ll provide the energy and hydration you need to conquer scorching days and nourish your lunch breaks. As you embark on your grocery store journey, don’t miss the chance to grab some of these delightful, in-season fruits and veggies.
Being aware of the seasonal fresh produce available when you visit the grocery store has dual benefits: it can lead to cost savings and ensure that you relish fruits and vegetables at their finest!
Nourishing yourself doesn’t have to strain your wallet. Designing your meals around the current in-season produce is a straightforward strategy for cutting down your grocery expenses. Explore each item on the list for guidance on selecting, prepping, and storing these seasonal delights.
Apples
As we approach the latter part of the month, a delightful array of fresh apples will begin gracing the shelves. With their numerous varieties, this versatile fruit seamlessly transitions between sweet and savory applications. Whether relished as a quick snack, a satisfying dessert, or a delightful addition to salads, the potential ways to enjoy apples are truly limitless!
Avacados
Avocado enthusiasts, take heart – this beloved food is accessible throughout the entire year! Whether you’re adorning your toast, substituting for a more health-conscious dessert (yes, Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies!), or crafting a delectable bowl of guacamole, you can procure avocados from stores regardless of the season.
Bananas
This much-loved fruit maintains its peak seasonality throughout the entire year, simplifying its consumption as a convenient snack or a versatile addition to smoothies, muffins, pancakes, and the transformation into delightful “nice” cream. Here’s an interesting tidbit: the average American consumes a remarkable 28 pounds of bananas annually!
Beets
Beets often receive a less-than-stellar reputation due to their earthy flavor, but when roasted, their inherent sweetness is revealed, rendering them an ideal choice for enhancing salads, incorporating into smoothies, and exploring other culinary possibilities.
Bell Peppers
The prime time for bell peppers spans from July to September, although they typically grace store shelves throughout the entire year. These vibrant peppers boast abundant Vitamin A and C content, along with noteworthy contributions of Vitamin E and Vitamin B6. To prolong their freshness, keep them unwashed in a plastic bag within your refrigerator’s crisper drawer, where they can stay for approximately 4-5 days. Bell peppers shine as versatile options, perfect for snacking, stuffing, and a diverse array of culinary creations.
Blackberries
Blackberries reach their zenith from June to August, offering a prime opportunity to acquire them at their freshest and most budget-friendly. Were you aware that blackberries boast one of the most elevated antioxidant levels among all foods?
Blueberries
Though blueberries are typically available year-round in many areas, their pinnacle season stretches from April to September. Optimal reasons abound for including blueberries in your choices. Were you aware that these berries encompass antioxidants capable of enhancing vision, motor skills, and even reversing short-term memory loss linked to age-related conditions?
Bok Choy
Bok choy, a variety of Chinese cabbage, presents a gentle taste that delights whether consumed fresh or prepared. While bok choy is generally accessible throughout the year, its finest expression occurs during the colder months.
Other Fruit and Vegetables
| Broccoli | Available All Year Round |
| Cantaloupe | |
| Carrots | Available All Year Round |
| Cauliflower | |
| Celery | |
| Cherries | Starts in May but Fresh Cherries cannot be found in stores till June onwards. |
| Corn | |
| Eggplant | Peak Season |
| Grapes | |
| Green Beans | |
| Leeks | |
| Mango | |
| Mushrooms | |
| Okra | Season is coming to an end. |
| Peaches and Pears | |
| Potatoes | Available All Year. |
| Raspberries | |
| Stone Fruit (Apricots, Nectarines and Plums) | |
| Strawberries | Florida Strawberry Season is in full swing. |
| Summer Squash | Peak Season is June to August. |
| Sweet Onions | |
| Tomato’s | |
| Watermelon | |
| Zucchini |
You can explore my additional posts focused on different months here.
Love, Bee xx