August Seasonal Fruits to Keep in Your Kitchen

Santa Barbara Farmers Market

The Central Coast is one of California’s top agricultural regions, second only to the Central Valley. While the Central Valley is widely known as the state’s agricultural powerhouse, the Central Coast also plays a major role in feeding families across the region with fresh, locally grown produce.

Drive along U.S. Highway 101 in either direction and you’ll see rows of crops and farmworkers harvesting strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes and more—reminders that agriculture is a cornerstone of Central Coast living.

August is peak summer fruit season, and it’s the perfect time to bring home some of the freshest flavors of the year. Strawberries, plums and peaches are at their best, along with a variety of stone fruits. Non-stone fruit options like melons and figs are also rich in flavor during this time of year.

Get creative with your meals by incorporating seasonal fruit. Add slices to salads for a sweet contrast, bake a dessert with a fruit you haven’t tried before or make a homemade jam that captures the essence of summer. Using in-season produce can elevate your meals and support healthy eating habits.

While grocery stores offer a convenient option, local farmers markets are the best place to find produce that’s truly fresh and full of flavor. Unlike big-box retailers such as Walmart or Food Maxx, where produce is often shipped long distances, farmers markets offer fruit picked at its peak and sold directly by local growers.

Here are a few Central Coast farmers markets where you can stock up on seasonal fruit:

• San Luis Obispo – Thursdays

• Pismo Beach – Wednesdays

• Santa Maria – Wednesdays

• Solvang – Wednesdays

• Arroyo Grande – Wednesdays and Saturdays

• Santa Barbara – Saturdays and Sundays

Whether you’re stocking your fridge, baking something sweet or adding fresh flavor to a family meal, August is the time to take full advantage of what the Central Coast has to offer.