Yes, you can certainly eat all of those juicy plums and peaches and melons straight up, and revel in the simplicity and beauty of these fruits, but don’t miss the chance to cook up some beautiful summer desserts (and also incorporate those fruits into easy dishes like grain salads and salsas).

What Fruit is in Season in August?

August is the peak summer season and there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are at their prime, picking-wise:

ApricotsCherriesWatermelonMelons (like cantaloupe and honeydew melon)BlueberriesBlackberriesRaspberriesPlumsPeachesNectarinesPears

Best August Fruit Recipes

Scroll through the slideshow for recipes that star each of these incredibly ripe, flavorful summer fruits. Cherries stud muffins, watermelon gets paired with cucumber and jicama in a spicy (and unusual) appetizer, honeydew melon brightens up a green salad, all kinds of berries can be part of a summery sangria, juicy peaches anchor a fruit salsa and blueberries star in simple ice cream (that can be made with or without an ice cream maker). Once you start to see how different fruits can bump up the flavor profile—and color—of all sorts of dishes, you’ll want to include them regularly. And I mean beyond just pies and crisps—but don’t worry, there are also pies and crisp recipes here! Next up:

26 Healthy Summer Fruit Recipes18 of the Summer’s Best Fruit Dip Recipes27 Best Summer Vegetable Side Dishes Best Fruits In Season In August - 44Best Fruits In Season In August - 80