Peak Summer Season

Late Summer Harvest in Florida: A Bounty of Sweet Corn, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Sweet Potatoes

As summer begins to wane and we inch closer to fall, Florida's farms burst into a colorful display of late summer produce. This time of year is particularly special for those who appreciate the richness of locally grown foods, with the Sunshine State offering an abundance of fresh, flavorful harvests that highlight the best of what our region has to offer. Among the standout stars of the season are sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, and sweet potatoes—each bringing their own unique taste of Florida to your table.

Sweet Corn: The Sunshine State’s Golden Treasure

Late summer is prime time for Florida’s sweet corn, which thrives under the warm sun and afternoon showers. This golden grain is incredibly versatile, whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the cob, grilled to perfection, or incorporated into a variety of dishes. Florida sweet corn is known for its tender kernels and just the right amount of sweetness, making it a must-have for your summer barbecues or light, refreshing salads.

Heirloom Tomatoes: A Taste of Tradition

Heirloom tomatoes are the crown jewels of late summer, bursting with color, flavor, and history. Grown from seeds passed down through generations, these tomatoes offer a complexity of taste that you won’t find in their commercial counterparts. Whether you’re slicing them for our Farmer’s Panzanella salad, blending them into a rich, homemade sauce, or simply enjoying them with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, heirloom tomatoes capture the essence of Florida’s late summer harvest.

Sweet Potatoes: The Comfort of Fall, Early

As we transition from the heat of summer to the milder days of fall, sweet potatoes begin to make their presence known. Florida’s sweet potatoes are naturally rich and creamy, with a sweetness that pairs perfectly with a variety of spices and herbs. Roast them, mash them, or turn them into a hearty soup—no matter how you prepare them, sweet potatoes offer a comforting taste of the season that bridges the gap between summer’s end and autumn’s beginning.

Savor the Season

Late summer in Florida is a celebration of the land’s generosity, offering an array of produce that not only tastes incredible but also supports our local farming community. Although the heat makes the season our least local of the year, our chefs handpick the seasons best to highlight these peak Summer stars—sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, and sweet potatoes—in your meals. By choosing locally grown, you’re not just enjoying the freshest flavors; you’re also contributing to the sustainability of our food system. So, head to your nearest farmers market, or neighborhood Naked Farmer, and embrace the late summer harvest, and savor the incredible bounty that Florida has to offer.