What's in Season - Arkansas Foods in August

by Lindsey Sexton - August 16, 2024

If you love food as much as we do, you know the taste of summer comes from the farm stand down the road or maybe even your own garden. And buying local is the best way to get the most for your money.

Which Arkansas foods are in season now?

During the month of August, you should be able to find the following foods wherever you buy your produce.

Apples

Black-eyed Peas

Butter Beans

Eggplant

Grapes

Green Beans

Muscadines

Nectarines

Okra

Peaches

Peppers 

Plums

Summer Squash

Sweet Corn

Sweet Potatoes

Why should I buy local foods?

Buying locally grown foods not only tastes better, it also supports local farms and keeps money circulating in your community.

Locally grown foods tend to taste better because they are picked at or near peak ripeness then sold within a day or two. Foods that travel long distances must be picked when they are still a bit unripe so they can make the journey without spoiling.

Where can I buy Arkansas products in season right now?

If you know of a local grower, farm stand, or farmer’s market in your area, that would be a great place to start! Also, when visiting your grocery store, be on the lookout for signs indicating whether a food is locally grown or Arkansas Grown.

The Arkansas Grown program, administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, helps consumers locate locally grown foods. Search for local food and producers at https://arkansasgrown.org/.

You’ll also want to be sure to check the Arkansas Market Maker site, a University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture sponsored website, to find more goods and services in your area. https://ar.foodmarketmaker.com/