The Best Late August Foods to Savor Before Fall Arrives
Late August is a fleeting moment in the food calendar—a sweet spot between summer’s abundance and autumn’s heartier fare. It’s a time when the markets are bursting with peak-season produce, yet the whisper of fall is just around the corner. Here are some of the best things to eat before September’s cooler winds change the menu.
Tomatoes at Their Peak
Nothing beats a late-August tomato—deep red, sun-warmed, and impossibly juicy. Slice them thick for BLTs or any fab sandwich, make a beautiful tomato-and-asparagus-salad, or roast them low and slow to bottle up that last taste of summer sunshine in an unforgettable salsa!
Sweet Corn, Still Fresh from the Field
By August, corn is as sweet as it gets. Whether you grill it with butter and herbs, shave kernels into salads, or stir them into chowder, this is the moment to indulge before the fields turn over. Even then, sweet corn shaved off the cob and frozen still tastes awesome in January, when your holiday food hangover is finally gone.
Stone Fruits in Their Last Glory
Peaches, nectarines, and plums are hanging heavy on trees right now. They’re perfect for tarts, cobblers, pies, or eaten fresh over the sink with juice dripping down your lips and chin! Late-season varieties often carry a richer, deeper flavor—don’t miss them. Do some canning!
Melons and Berries
Cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew are still cooling summer tables, while blackberries and blueberries have likely closed out their run. Pair them together for a chilled fruit salad or blend into smoothies while the weather still begs for refreshment…because it does!
Early Apples and Grapes
As August wanes, crisp apples and sweet table grapes start sneaking into farm stands. They bridge the gap between seasons—a little preview of fall without leaving summer behind.
Eat these foods now, while they’re at their best. There’s still time! September will bring squashes, pumpkins, and cozy stews soon enough, but late August offers flavor ops to take on now. Don’t miss out.