Buying local produce at its seasonal peak ensures the best flavour and nutrition. In British Columbia, August heralds the upcoming bounty of the fall harvest. Shoppers can find almost everything at farm markets in Vancouver, but you should take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on these top fruits and vegetables in August.

1. Sour cherries

Also known as pie cherries, sour cherries produce outstanding jams and desserts. If you enjoy a tart fruit, they are also perfectly delicious to eat fresh as snacks. Sour cherries have a short shelf life, so you'll want to eat them or cook them within two or three days. They freeze quite well if you can't eat them right away.

2. Potatoes

August kicks off the arrival of red, russet, and yellow potatoes. Locally grown potatoes straight out of the field have exceptional flavour that is noticeably better than potatoes kept in cold storage and bought out of season.

3. Beans

Green and wax beans enter peak production in August before tapering off in September. In addition to being a good source of fiber, green beans are nutrient powerhouses. They contain vitamins A, C, and K as well as calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium.

4. Apples

The first wave of fresh apples hits the markets in August when growers harvest early ripening varieties, like Sunrise and Ginger Gold. Crisp and refreshing, apples provide vitamin C and potassium. Eat them fresh, or you could get ambitious and bake a pie.

5. Cabbage

Farmers cut the first heads of green cabbage in August. This versatile vegetable adds crunch to stir-fries and is treasured for making coleslaw. If you're interested in the gut microbiome benefits of eating fermented foods, this is a good time to start a batch of homemade sauerkraut. Warm summer temperatures aid fermentation and speed up the results.

Fresh local produce 7 days a week

Famous Foods stocks fruits and vegetables from local and regional growers. Visit us to select produce at the peak of ripeness and also shop for wellness products and bulk foods. We can help you stay healthy with good food. Come fill your basket at 1595 Kingsway in Vancouver today.