Is there anything more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a vine ripe peach in August?
There is no other month that represents Italy’s beautiful and colorful produce and fruit selection than August. It’s a month in which much of Italy’s best produce is at its height and can be enjoyed for pennies.
And not only is the produce amazing as is, perfect for snacking but also used in many of Italy’s most famous foods and recipes.
Let’s take a look at what’s in season in August in Italy. I’ll help you navigate your grocery shopping, open air market mornings and even ordering correctly in restaurants.
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Seasonal Produce in July in Italy
If you are a real foodie in Italy, you should be purchasing your seasonal produce at open air markets rather than grocery stores!
Learn more about Italian Markets:
How to Shop at Markets in Italy
10 Rules for Shopping at Markets in Italy
Incredible Food Markets in Italy
My Favorite Markets in Florence
Food Markets in Florence
Top Markets In Tuscany
Food Markets in Venice
Rialto Market in Venice
Good To Know: Fruits and vegetables that you find in July are very similar to what you will also taste throughout all the summer months in Italy. Learn all about how Italians eat seasonally in Why Italians Eat Seasonally – A Complete Guide To The Italian Way Of Cooking With The Seasons.
Seasonal Vegetables in August in Italy
Salad
Italy is extremely hot in August with daily temperatures often reaching 95-100 degrees but Italians still manage to grow their lettuce. Many regions have developed shaded areas of farming land, allowing them to grow even in these temperatures.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are at their best in August in Italy and are usually served cold in salads. Most famously is panzanella, a Tuscan bread salad flavored with cucumbers, tomatoes, basil and plenty of extra virgin olive oil.
Peppers
All kinds of peppers continue to be readily available in Italy in August, especially affordable in southern regions where they grow very well. Don’t miss peperonata, a stew of grilled or pan seared peppers cooked with lots of olive oil and other seasonal Italian ingredients (which will change depending on the region you are visiting).
Zucchini
Zucchini is one of Italy’s most famous and versatile summer vegetables. You will find it in any way, shape and size but the most creative ways I have seen it used is raw in salads with shards or shavings of Parmigiano cheese and lemon.
String Beans
Look for long string beans in August in Italy served steamed as a side dish (contorno). Keep in mind that Italians like their vegetables much more cooked than other cultures, which is why they often serve them with lemon to brighten them up!
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a vegetable we usually eat in the winter in Italy but it’s also readily available at markets during the summer as well. During the winter we usually find only one variety but in the summer we see several colors known as rainbow chard.
Basil
Basil and plenty of other herbs manage to grow well in Italy even in the August heat. To learn all about herbs in Italy check out 12 Common Italian Herbs & Spices (& How to Use Them) and be sure you are storing it correctly!
Fresh Borlotti Beans
Traditional borlotti beans that you find dried in any supermarket in Italy are freshly picked and can be enjoyed fresh in July and August in Italy. Don’t miss them as you can try them only at this time. They take a bit of work to shell, just like peas, but it’s worth it!
Seasonal Fruits in August in Italy
Stone fruit and berries dominate the produce aisle in Italy in August. Don’t be afraid to order fruit for dessert if you are dining out in Italy because it’s sure to be some of the best you have ever tasted!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes in Italy in August are probably some of the best you might ever have in your life! My favorite variety is the bistecca and cuore di bue, which are hearty, juicy and sweet. The most famous dish you can eat in August made with tomatoes is a caprese salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.
Plums
Droll plums, small and oval shaped, are particularly good and readily available throughout most of Italy in August. Other yellow or dark purple round varieties also fill the shelves and markets through all of August.
Blueberries
Blueberries have a very short growing season in Italy. Depending on the year and what region we are talking about, we might see them in July but we also get them in August. Be sure the berries you are buying in Italy are in fact grown domestically.
Blackberries
Blackberries grow wild throughout all of Italy in August. Chances are that if you are visiting the Italian mountains or countryside you will see locals walking on the side of the road with a basket to collect blackberries.
Grapes
We start to see the first grapes in Italy in August (and perhaps even in July although I don’t suggest buying them at this point!), both red and green. You can choose from either seedless or the regular variety but after years of eating both, the ones with seeds always have the best flavor!
Melon
You will find several varieties of melon available for sale in August including the classic orange variety, green and even a white flesh variety with a yellow skin.
Watermelon
Watermelon, known as coccomero or anguria is one of Italy’s most beloved fruit snacks and desserts. You will see it for sale at beaches, bars and even on dessert menus at casual, family-run restaurants served in large wedges. At grocery stores you can either look for them whole or buy just a large slice that has usually been pre-weighed and priced as is.
Nectarines
The nectarines I have had in Italy since moving here have been some of the best I have had in my whole life. In August they are relatively cheap and at their best.
Peaches
Just like nectaries, August is the height for peach season in Italy. Choose from either white peaches or the classic variety.
Saucer Peaches
Saucer peaches are a flat variety of peach that is very sweet and juicy. Be sure not to purchase them overripe as they can mold quite easily!
Figs
Some varieties of figs start to crop up in Italy in August and should you see them on a menu, don’t pass them up! Look for them served as a dessert or as an appetizer with prosciutto.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts, known as nocciole in Italian, are harvested in late august and through early September. If you are in Piedmont, keep your eyes peeled for these small nuts that make it into several regional desserts, Italian cookies, salads and gelato flavors.
Curious to know more about Italy’s seasonal foods, dishes, and produce? Check out
Foods to Eat in Italy in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.
Italian Fruits and Vegetables in Season in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.
