What's in Season This August & Two Recipes Worth Making

August is the best month for produce in Connecticut, hands down. The farm stands and farmers markets around Greenwich and Stamford are loaded right now, and this is the short window when everything actually tastes like it should. Here is what to look for and two easy ways to use it.

What's Peaking in August

• Peaches. This is peak peach season in the Northeast. Look for ones that give slightly when you press near the stem and smell sweet even before you cut in.

• Plums. Right alongside peaches, plums are at their best now, from the tart red varieties to the deep purple, almost jammy ones.

• Corn. Local sweet corn in August barely needs butter. Grab it the same day you plan to eat it if you can, the sugars start converting the moment it is picked.

• Tomatoes. Heirlooms hit their stride in August. Ugly on the outside, incredible on the inside. This is the month for a simple tomato salad with good olive oil and flaky salt, nothing else needed.

• Blueberries. Still going strong into August, especially from local pick-your-own farms.

• Watermelon. Obvious, but worth saying. A good August watermelon needs nothing but a knife.
  Figs. Early figs start showing up toward the end of the month if you know where to look. They do not keep long, so use them fast.

Recipe: Peach and Burrata Salad

A five minute recipe that looks like it took an hour.

What you need:

• 3 ripe peaches, sliced

• 1 ball fresh burrata

• A handful of arugula or basil leaves

• Good olive oil

• Balsamic glaze

• Flaky sea salt and black pepper

• Toasted, chopped hazelnuts or pistachios (optional)

How to make it: Layer the arugula or basil on a platter. Arrange the peach slices on top. Tear the burrata open in the center and let it spill over the peaches. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then finish with flaky salt, cracked pepper, and the nuts if you are using them. Serve right away while the peaches are still cool from the fridge and the burrata is soft.

Recipe: Grilled Corn with Herb Butter

This is the corn recipe I make on repeat all August.

What you need:

• 6 ears of corn, husked

• 4 tablespoons softened butter

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (basil, chives, or parsley all work)

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• Zest of half a lemon

• Salt to taste

How to make it: Mix the softened butter with the herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Grill the corn over medium high heat, turning every couple of minutes, until you get light char marks all around, about 10 minutes total. Brush the herb butter over the hot corn right off the grill so it melts in immediately. Finish with a little extra salt.

Where to Find It

If you have not made it to a local farm stand or farmers market yet this summer, August is the month to go. Between what is growing here in Fairfield County and what is coming up from local farms, this is as good as produce gets all year. Grab a peach while you are at it. You will taste the difference immediately.

Dena Zarra | Greenwich Streets Team at Compass

Luxury guidance. Honest advice. Exceptional results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What produce is in season in Connecticut in August?
Peaches, plums, corn, tomatoes (especially heirlooms), blueberries, watermelon, and early figs toward the end of the month are all at their peak in Connecticut during August.

How do I pick a ripe peach?
Look for one that gives slightly when you press near the stem and smells sweet even before you cut into it.

How long does local sweet corn keep once picked?
Not long. The sugars start converting to starch the moment corn is picked, so it's best eaten the same day you buy it.

What's an easy way to use August peaches?
A peach and burrata salad takes about five minutes: sliced peaches over arugula or basil, torn burrata, olive oil, balsamic glaze, flaky salt, and pepper.

What's a good way to cook corn on the grill?
Grill husked corn over medium high heat for about 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes until lightly charred, then brush immediately with a garlic herb butter while it's still hot.

Where can I find the best produce in Greenwich and Stamford this time of year?
Local farm stands and farmers markets around Fairfield County are loaded in August, which is considered the best month of the year for produce in the region.