What’s in Season: July and August
Farmers and their crops have been making most of our lengthening days and warming nights—those April blizzards are now a distant memory and summer is upon us in full glory. There’s a wonderful and sometimes surprising array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other year-round goods to be found at our region’s farmers’ markets— shop regularly to make sure you don’t miss anything! As always, do your best to preserve some of this summer’s local bounty at its peak of flavor by freezing, canning and pickling. Every jar will make a difference later in the year—not just in your grocery bill but in your health and happiness, too, as you open the lid and take in the delicious taste of summer once again.
VEGETABLES
Peas (sugarsnap, snow and English)
Spinach and Swiss chard
Lettuce
Cilantro
Garlic scapes
Radishes
Kohlrabi
Mushrooms (cultivated and wild)
Summer squash and zucchini
Early onions and scallions
Basil, dill and parsley
Cucumbers
Kale, collard and mustard greens
Green beans, all kinds
Young garlic
Shallots
Tomatoes
Cabbages
Turnips
Broccoli
Edamame beans
Sweet corn
Green peppers
Cauliflower
Fennel
Celery
Carrots
New potatoes
Eggplant
Beets
Chile peppers
Sweet peppers
Tomatillos
Artichokes
FRUITS
Strawberries (season ending)
Cherries (sweets, Balatons, then tarts)
Saskatoons
Blueberries
Blackberries
Raspberries
Apricots
Currants
Gooseberries
Peaches and nectarines
Melons
Summer apples
Plums
Pears
ALSO AT THE MARKETS
Locally raised meats
Great Lakes fish
Free-range eggs
Fresh pastas
Local cheeses
Pickles and cultured veggies
Jams, jellies and chutneys
Herbs and herbal teas
Michigan maple syrup
Local honey and beeswax
Milk and ice cream
Breads and pastries
Garden plants
Soaps
