What to Eat in August in Australia: A Seasonal Guide

When the winter is over and August is approaching, Australia provides a wide variety of seasonal produce that is ideal for warm dishes as well as the first signs of spring. It is not only good for your taste buds but also for the farmers and the environment since it reduces the carbon footprint of your food. Below is a list of what is in season this August and some tips on how best to enjoy this harvest season.

• Oranges

August is the best time to get oranges as they are very sweet and packed with vitamin C, ideal for juicing, salads or just eating. They can also be used to prepare a bright orange cake or marmalade, for instance, if you decide to engage in baking.

• Mandarins

Mandarins are very delicious and very easy to peel; they are perfect to be eaten as a snack. They also are good in desserts and can be used to give a citrus flavor to other dishes such as salad or glaze for meats.

• Lemons

Lemons are a very useful fruit to have around, whether you are using the juice, the rind, or the actual fruit slice. They are used in salads, desserts, and are a necessity for making lemon curd or a lemon drizzle cake.

• Grapefruit

Grapefruit has a rather sour taste and is used in both sweet and savory dishes. They are good when used in salads, with avocado and prawns, or used as a breakfast fruit with a little sugar added to it.

• Pears

Pears are just starting to ripe in August. Best eaten fresh, poached, or baked in tarts and pies. They also complement well with cheese and nuts to make a classy salad.

• Brussels Sprouts

These mini cabbages are usually overlooked but can be very tasty when prepared roasted or sautéed with garlic and bacon. They are also useful in stir fry and casserole dishes.

• Cauliflower

Cauliflower is incredibly versatile. It can be roasted, mashed, or even used to make a low carbohydrate pizza base. It is also great in soups and stews.

• Broccoli

It is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is good when steamed, roasted or stir fried and goes well with garlic, lemon and parmesan cheese.

• Cabbage

Cabbage is ideal for winter meals such as stews and braises. It is also good for new salads and slaws, giving a crunchy feel and lots of nutrients.

• Spinach

Spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables and it can be used in almost any dish. It should be eaten raw in smoothies, salads, or cooked in quiches and spanakopita.

• Parsley

Parsley is used to give a fresh and peppery taste to the foods that it is added to. It can be used in salads, soups, and as a garnish for practically any dish.

• Coriander

Cilantro is great for garnishing Asian and Mexican foods to give that extra zest. It is best used in salsas, salads and curries.

• Mint

Mint is a very useful plant that can be added to sweet dishes as well as to the dishes which are spicy. It is perfect in salads, with lamb dishes, and in sweets such as mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Recipe Ideas for August

1. Winter Citrus Salad

Citrus salad with oranges, mandarins and grapefruit with fresh spinach, nuts and crumbled feta cheese. 

The natural sweetness of the citrus fruits with the sourness of the citrus peel, the taste of spinach and the richness of almonds or walnuts. The feta contributes the creaminess and the saltiness into the dish. 

This salad is rich in vitamins C and A and contributes to the strengthening of the immune system and the improvement of skin condition. The fiber from the oranges and other citrus fruits aids in digestion while spinach contains iron and antioxidants. 

2. Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon 

A delicious side dish that combines the taste of the roasted Brussels sprouts and the crispy, smoky bacon. 

The Brussels sprouts are crispy and slightly caramelized when roasted, with the salty and savory bacon. 

It is rich in vitamin K and C and antioxidants that are good for the body especially the Brussels sprouts. Bacon is incorporated into the recipe to act as the protein source and also to enhance the flavor of the dish. 

3. Creamy Cauliflower Soup 

A clear and easy soup that is made from tender cauliflower, aromatic onions and garlic, and a touch of cream. 

Smooth and somewhat buttery with a hint of the nutty and a touch of garlic and onion. The addition of fresh parsley on top of the food adds that extra freshness with a tinge of herbs. 

Cauliflower is a low calorie vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C and K, fiber and antioxidants. This soup also assists in rehydration and can be used in weight loss program. 

4. Pear and Walnut Salad 

This is a light and tender salad with pears, fresh lettuce, blue cheese, and walnuts with a touch of honey-lemon dressing. 

Blue cheese and greens are a perfect match with the sweetness of the pears balancing the sourness of the cheese, the bitterness of the greens and the toasty nuts, all washed down with a sweet and sour dressing. 

In Australia, August is a transitional month, providing the warmth of winter’s hearty vegetables and fruits, but with the promise of spring. You can make tasty and healthy dishes using seasonal products such as citrus fruits, greens, and root vegetables and thus enjoy the taste of this rather specific period. For more information, download our App Happy cooking!