On June 21st the summer solstice passed and that means that from now until late autumn there is an abundance of seasonal produce available in the UK. We are so used to seeing so many of the fruits and vegetables that are in season right now on the shelves of the supermarket all year round.

This has left many of us forgetful about the delicious joy a perfectly ripe strawberry or fresh podded peas can bring. If you’re not growing your own, we urge you to shop beyond the supermarket this summer and head to local greengrocers, markets and farms to pick up fresh local produce.

Here is the best of the season:

July

Beetroot

Cabbage

Carrots

Courgettes

Cucumbers

Fennel

French beans

Lettuce and other salad leaves

New potatoes

Peas and mangetout

Radish

Runner beans

Tomatoes

Spinach

Spring onions

Shallots

 

Blackberries

Blueberries

Cherries

Currants

Gooseberries

Loganberries

Raspberries

Tayberries

 

August

Aubergines

Beetroot

Broccoli

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Carrots

Celery

Chard

Courgettes

Cucumbers

Fennel

French beans

Lettuce and other salad leaves

Potatoes

Peas and mangetout

Peppers and chilies

Runner beans

Tomatoes

Spring onions

Sweetcorn

 

Blackberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Plums

Early apple varieties such as ‘Discovery’

Don’t forget to check out this month’s recipe a warm lemon lentil and courgette salad which uses the best produce of the season.