11 Juicy Fruits to Pick and Eat in August for Peak Freshness

August is well-known for being the prime time for vegetable harvests, but it is also an ideal month to pick and enjoy many flavorful fruits. Eating fruit during its peak season offers multiple benefits. Not only is the flavor unmatched, but that is also the period when the nutritional profile is at its best. So, you can enjoy sweet goodness while sticking to your diet (before the holidays come, of course). But how do you know which fruits to harvest or purchase at the right time? We’ve gathered a list of eleven juicy fruits to pick and eat in August to help. 

1. Apples

The start of apple season begins to hit its stride in August, even though some growing regions have early apple harvests as soon as late July. The season runs from mid-October to November. However, not all varieties are ready at the same time. There are early-season, mid-season, and late-season apple varieties available. Keep an eye out for your favorite type as fall arrives.

Many states have U-Pick orchards where nearby residents venture into the orchards to find their own tasty treasures. But whether you can pick your apples fresh or have to wait until they hit produce shelves, you can still enjoy their juicy flavor. 

Yes, apples are the quintessential holiday pie. They also make a fantastic addition to crisps or cobblers, muffins, quick breads, and other baked goods. You can roast them or saute them with beef for a unique twist. And don’t forget to make some homemade applesauce with your bounty.

2. Blackberries

Blackberry shrubs start to produce fruit in late July and early August. The season extends for a few months, depending on varieties. But don’t get too excited before you buy fresh blackberries. Earlier in the season, not all berries will be ripe. Look for deep, dark coloring and plump flesh. That’s how you know the sugar content has had to develop truly develop.

Some areas have U-Pick berry farms, allowing visitors to pluck their own berries straight from the shrub. Unfortunately, that is not available everywhere. So keep your eyes peeled for local (or sem-local) blackberries to hit the stores.

Enjoy your blackberries in pie, jams, crisps, cobblers, syrups, or sorbets.

3. Blueberries

Blueberry lovers can rejoice! They are still in peak season during August. Typically, the harvest season stretches from April to September. But this tasty fruit also freezes well, so make sure to stock up when its flavor is at its peak. 

You can freeze-dry them, dehydrate them, or freeze them. Add blueberries to smoothies, yogurt, cereal, muffins, or pies.

4. Cantaloupe

August is prime time for cantaloupe. This sweet, juicy fruit has a short season. It is only in peak season during July and August. They are healthier than their sweetness suggests. And cantaloupe is also easy to grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10. Try planting one for yourself for the optimal harvest. 

Once you’ve collected some perfectly ripe cantaloupe, you can eat it straight or add it to countless delicious dishes. Wrap slices of cantaloupe in salty prosciutto for a treat. Add balled cantaloupe to fruit salads or drinks. Or look for recipes to include cantaloupe in sorbets and ice creams.

5. Figs

The second fig harvest of the year starts in August. That means now is the prime time to get this fascinating fruit while it is at its peak. Most produce sections only carry a small display of figs, so you may need to look around for a little bit. This fruit is delicate and does not have a long shelf life. So buy in small quantities to prevent spoilage. Fig trees grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-12, though some species can survive Zone 6 climates.

They are delicious eaten raw or dried for a chewy bite. But there are many other options for enjoying figs! They make a delicious jam, go great in a fruit tart, or add to many baked goods. Figs are also fantastic in savory dishes. Feel free to experiment with grilling, roasting, sauteing, wrapping them in salted meats, or stuffing them with nut butter.

6. Nectarines

Nectarines are a member of the stone fruit family but don’t get as many accolades as peaches. That’s a shame since they are extremely flavorful during the peak season, which lands in July and August. Their flavor is very similar to peaches, so if you want to try something new, they are worth a shot!

This fruit variety can be substituted for peaches in nearly every recipe. Add them to pies, scones, muffins, and more baked goods. Grill them, turn them into jam, or add them to yogurt and cereal. They also hold up very well in salads and savory dishes.

7. Pears

Pear season is rather lengthy, running from July to October. But not all varieties ripen at the same time. August is a great time to find a wide selection of pear varieties to enjoy. Depending on your region, you may find unusual options at the farmer’s market or U-Pick orchards.

And you aren’t relegated to just eating pears fresh. There are countless ways to enjoy this flavorful fruit. Add pears to bread, cakes, pies, muffins, crisps, and cobblers. Or include them in savory dishes like pizzas. Roast them, grill them, or add them to savory salads.

8. Peaches

One of the best times to eat peaches is in August. It is right in the center of the peak season for most growing regions. And if you are lucky enough to live in a state with several peach orchards, you can find them everywhere. Pop-up peach stands, farmer’s market tables, and local peach displays in the produce section abound. Additionally, if you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, you can easily grow your own peach trees. They just take some time to develop.

Enjoy them plain or in traditional applications like pies, cobblers, crisps, bars, or ice cream. Or, if you feel a little adventurous, pop them on the grill, wrap them in prosciutto, or add them to salsa or milkshakes.

9. Plums

Another stone fruit that often gets overshadowed by peaches is plums. They come in a wide range of colors and flavors, depending on the variety and growing region. Check out your local farmer’s market or the produce section of your grocery store for the freshest (and most local) options. 

Experiment with making jams, chutneys, and sauces with plums. They are also fantastic in baked dishes like pies, breads, cobblers, and crips. Cut some up raw to top yogurt, pancakes, or cereal. Or, consider adding them to one of the many savory dishes they complement.

10. Raspberries

Raspberries have multiple seasons, depending on the growing region and variety. But one of the times to enjoy this beautiful fruit at its peak freshness is in August! Look for brightly colored, plump berries at roadside stands, farmer’s markets, U-Pick orchards, or in your local produce section. 

Their bright burst of flavor makes them ideal for countless culinary applications. Eat them raw or add them to yogurts, sorbets, pancakes, cereal, and smoothies. You can also add them to brownies, crisps, crumble bars, pies, or quick breads.

11. Watermelon

While watermelon often gets viewed as the quintessential summer fruit, its peak season doesn’t arrive until July or August. So, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the juicy goodness before fall rolls around. You’ll be able to find standard watermelon varieties in your grocery store. But there is a wide world of watermelons to enjoy. Your best bet to find something new is to head to your local farmer’s market.

The standard way to enjoy this fruit is to slice it into pieces and eat it. However, you can also make watermelon juice, ball it to add to fruit salads, add to sparkling beverages, or turn it into a tasty sorbet.

Summary of 11 Juicy Fruits to Pick and Eat in August

The photo featured at the top of this post is © ABCDstock/Shutterstock.com

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