Summer is the prime season in Ontario for fresh produce. When we reach the later summer months, we get to enjoy fruits and veggies that have reached their absolute peak. At your local Farm Boy store, you’ll find our fresh produce section stocked with juicy peaches, sweet corn, ripe field tomatoes, and so much more. Read on to discover what summer has in store for fresh fruits and veggies.
Seasonal Produce: What’s Fresh in August
Fruits
Cantaloupe
A heat-loving melon that reaches its peak in August, cantaloupe is an excellent source of vitamins. Ideal for eating raw, try them in salads, desserts, and beverages.
Nectarines
The fuzz-free cousin of the peach, the smaller, firmer nectarine is delicious on the grill. We recommend serving these fruits with a scoop of Farm Boy™ Vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of Farm Boy™ Pure Liquid Honey.
Field Tomatoes
Named for growing in the field rather than a hothouse, field tomatoes come in many delicious varieties. From round tomatoes to those that are more plum-shaped, they can be perfect for eating raw or enjoying cooked or in sauces.
Recipe: Tomato, Avocado, Burrata Salad
Watermelon
There’s something so classic about enjoying a ripe slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. Blitzed into a beverage, cubed for salads, or enjoyed all their own, this seasonal treat is a summer must-eat.
Recipe: Sparkling Watermelon Cooler
Blueberries
These tiny, juicy berries are delicious when summer heats up. Bursting with flavour and vitamins, try them in both savoury and sweet dishes.
Recipe: Savoury Dark Berry Compote
Peaches
August is actually National Peach Month, which makes sense since these multi-hued beauties are at their peak! Sweet and fragrant, peaches are delicious in salads, smoothies, desserts, jams, and so much more! Learn more about peaches on our blog, Peach Season in Ontario.
Recipe: Brown Sugar Glazed Stone Fruit with Mascarpone Cream
Prune and Blue Plums
Descended from the European breed of plums, blue plums and prune plums are different from their fleshy, sweet counterparts. These plums have a firmer texture and are actually better suited to being cooked. Try them in baked goods, jams, or sauces.
Concord Grapes
The grape you’re thinking of when you’re imagining anything grape-flavoured! Concord grapes are vibrant in colour and often used for juices. The distinct flavour of this fruit lends itself well to grape jelly, grape juices – even grape candy!
Bartlett and Bosc Pears
Two pears with two pairs of different tastes! The Bartlett pear is the classic pear: sweet, rounded at the bottom, and tender. The Bosc pear is firmer, which makes it the better pear for the recipe below! Learn more about pears on our blog, All About Pears.
Recipe: Honey Ginger Poached Pears
Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, and Spaghetti Squashes
Squash may seem like a fall fruit (or vegetable), but these varieties will actually be in our stores in August! Try incorporating them into salads or as a low-carb substitute for pasta.
Vegetables
Corn
Corn, a beloved staple of summer! Our corn is delivered to us from local farmers fresh daily for the best, sweetest taste. We like it best grilled and slathered with seasonings. Learn more about corn on our blog, Corn Season in Ontario.
Leeks
Grilled, roasted, or as a topping for salads and sides, summery leeks come into season this month! Learn more about leeks – including our favourite leek products – on our blog, What’s Growin’ Canada? Leeks.
Cello Carrots
The kind of carrots you’ll find in plastic bags, with wider tops and tapered bottoms, cello carrots are sweet and can be for eating raw, roasting, or pickling.
Green Bell Peppers
Don’t leave bell peppers by the wayside this summer. Green bell peppers are in season and are delicious with a little char on them from the grill!
Recipe: Roasted Bell Pepper Salad with Pomegranate Molasses Dressing
Potatoes
The workhorse of the root vegetable family, our stores get stocked with white, yellow, and red Canadian potatoes this month. Fried, mashed, boiled, or sautéed, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your potato craving.
Recipe: Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts
Gone are the days when Brussels sprouts would stink up your kitchen. Instead, try letting these little bundles caramelize over a high heat (maybe with a dash of maple syrup) to cut their bitterness. Finish them off by tossing with some crispy fried bacon.
