Rain, rain, go away… that’s what all the summer vegetables say! The late July storms have brought some summer crops to a halt, and have brought some early fall crops into premature bloom. As the humidity lingers and the temperatures remain high, there’s a variety of produce to dig into!
Fruit: Peaches are sure to be found at your local grocery stores and farmers markets through August. Try out a peach cobbler while you still can. Or, for a less hands-on dessert, try grilling halved peaches and topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! This time of year is also prime melon season– cantaloupe, canary melon, and watermelon are perfect for a colorful fruit salad that’s sure to quench your thirst and ease your hunger.
Vegetables: Pepper and eggplant varieties are still abundant, while tomatoes and summer squash are starting to slow down. Many Montgomery County farmers markets are just beginning to feature heartier fall squash varieties such as delicata, a sweet squash similar to butternut. Leafy greens such as swiss chard and kale remain a staple; try massaging thin-cut kale greens with lemon juice and olive oil for a simple salad option.
Herbs: Basil and mint are hanging in there! Take advantage of the last few weeks of these herbs at their
peak. A big batch of pesto, made with basil, pine nuts or walnuts, and olive oil pairs well with roasted eggplant in a pasta salad. Mint varieties such as chocolate mint or peppermint are special finds; try a few leaves blended with a banana, spinach, milk or non-dairy milk alternative, and a small handful of chocolate chips for a naturally colored mint-chip smoothie!
Want to combine the late-summer and early fall flavors into one meal? Try topping a pizza crust with roasted and pureed fall squash (delicata, butternut, or pumpkin all work) as your “sauce”, a few dollops of homemade basil pesto, torn kale leaves, bacon, and crumbled goat cheese. If you try this out, be sure to share your photos and tag us @mocofoodcouncil!
Check back at the beginning of September for another look at what’s in season here in Montgomery County.
*Photos belong to our farm partner, Chocolates and Tomatoes. Chocolates and Tomatoes produce can be found at the Olney Farmers Market every Sunday from 9am-1pm.