August is one of the most abundant and flavorful months for North Carolina farms – and it's the perfect time to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce at its peak. Whether you're shopping in person at the Thomasville or Lexington Farmers Markets or online through Piedmont Fresh, you’ll find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables ready to be enjoyed.
What’s In Season This Month
Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll find in markets across the region during August:
🌽 Sweet Corn – still going strong and perfect for grilling or salads
🍑 Peaches – juicy, fragrant, and ideal for eating fresh or preserving
🥒 Cucumbers & Pickling Varieties – crisp and cool, great for snacking or pickling
🍅 Tomatoes – from slicing to cherry, heirloom, and paste varieties
🌶️ Peppers – everything from mild bells to fiery Scorpion and Habanero
🥕 Root Veggies – including beets, carrots, and radishes
🥬 Salad Greens & Lettuces – tender, crisp, and full of flavor
🍉 Watermelon & Cantaloupe – hydrating, sweet, and refreshing
🧅 Onions, Okra, & Eggplant – versatile staples for stir-fries, stews, and roasting
The Health Perks of Eating Seasonal Produce
Eating produce that’s in season isn’t just about flavor—it’s about nutrition and sustainability. Fruits and vegetables picked at their peak contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than those shipped long distances and stored for weeks. For example:
Tomatoes and peppers are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Dark leafy greens and lettuces are packed with fiber and essential nutrients like vitamin K and folate.
Peaches and melons provide hydration and a good dose of vitamin A for skin and eye health.
Plus, when you buy local, you’re supporting small farms and reducing the carbon footprint of your food.
Thinking About Canning? Start Small.
If you’ve ever been curious about canning, August is a great time to dip your toes in. With so many fruits and veggies in season, it’s easy to preserve a taste of summer for the colder months. Start with simple, small-batch projects like:
Quick pickles using cucumbers or beets
Fresh tomato sauce or salsa
Peach or fig jam (great for the pantry or freezer)
Pro Tip: Many farmers offer “seconds”—produce that may be slightly blemished but is still perfectly good for canning—at a lower price. Just ask when you’re at the market!
Shop Local. Eat Well. Feel Better.
You can find all these seasonal staples and more at the Thomasville and Lexington Farmers Markets, or from the comfort of home through Piedmont Fresh. There’s no better time to support your health and your local food system.
Let August’s harvest nourish your body, your pantry, and your community.