BEFORE you know it, it will be time for pumpkins and Christmas trees, but for the next few weeks late summer produce will be at its peak. Here are five fruits and vegetables to savor before the season comes to an end. Shop at your local farmers market while supplies last.

Chile Peppers Chile peppers of every shape and color come on strong as summer starts to fade.

Grapes Look for specialty, NorCal grown varieties like Bronx, champagne and muscat.

Stone Fruit Some varieties of peach, nectarines, plums and apricots have already peaked, but the remaining

fruit on the market, like the ruby-fleshed elephant heart plum, offer a taste of the season's swan song.

Tomatoes Tomatoes are available as early as June, but there's something special about juicy September tomatoes. Maybe it's the knowledge that soon they'll be gone and we'll be stuck with the mealy supermarket varieties until next year.

Watermelon Thanks to globalized agriculture, watermelons are available year-round, but late-summer melons grown in the hot Central Valley sun are best.

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