As we revel in the last golden days of summer, our gardens and markets overflow with vibrant fruit and veg that are simply begging to be enjoyed. Whether you’re enjoying the last of the summer fruits or looking forward to the hearty vegetables of autumn, there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore and enjoy.
Let’s celebrate the abundance of seasonal produce.
Relishing Summers Abundance
While we savour the summer glut, there’s a wonderful sense of community in sharing and swapping produce with friends, family, and neighbours. Those with allotments often find themselves with an abundance of glorious bounty, gifting fresh fruits and vegetables to those around them. Local markets and producer markets truly come alive, reflecting the amazing jewel colours of the season, where the bounty is transformed into zesty fruit curds, jams, chutneys, and pickles, capturing the essence of summer in every jar.
It’s a beautiful time of year to keep an eye on local hedgerows and fruit trees, as the promise of fruits, hips and haws starts to ripen into their tasty glory.
What’s coming into season right now?
Bite into a sweet, juicy apricot or savour the tartness of a freshly picked blackberry. Add the rich, dark hues blackcurrants and you have all the ingredients for pies and preserves. Plus, the versatile blueberry can transform your morning muffins, yoghurt or pancakes into a delightful treat bursting with all the good vits.
As the season shifts, herbs are at their peak, ready to enhance our dishes with fresh, aromatic flavours. Basil, with its unmistakable fragrance, is perfect for pesto and salads, while chillies add a spicy kick to any meal. Chives, coriander, and mint bring a refreshing touch to soups, salsas, and drinks. Oregano and parsley are essential for Italian dishes and garnishing, and the woody aroma of rosemary and sage is perfect for roasts and savoury dishes, while tarragon and thyme add unique, slightly sweet flavours to sauces and dressings.
With September’s arrival, vegetables offer a harvest of hearty goodness. Picture artichokes steamed to perfection, aubergines grilled or roasted for a rich, smoky flavor, and beetroot adding a sweet, earthy touch to salads, smoothies and soups.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash are all versatile and nutritious, perfect for steaming, roasting, or making soups. Cabbages in red, sweetheart, or white varieties are great for slaws and stir-fries, while carrots, cauliflower, and celeriac add crunch to any dish, and are great, fermented or pickled.
Celery, courgettes, and cucumbers are ideal for salads and pickles. Fennel, French beans, and garlic bring aromatics, while horseradish, kale, and kohlrabi offer unique tastes and textures.
Leeks, lettuce, and mangetout are perfect for soups and salads, and marrows, wild mushrooms, and onions add depth to our meals. Have you tried using crisp gem lettuce leaves in place of bread – add your favourite fillings, roll and enjoy. Perfect if you are cutting out the carbs- and tasty!
When it comes to stir-fries and sides, think Pak choi, parsnips, and peas – naturally sweet, tender, and bursting with flavour. Peppers, potatoes, and pumpkins are the versatile heroes, perfect for mashes, roasts, and pies. For a peppery, tangy twist, radishes, rhubarb, and rocket are your go-to’s, while runner beans, samphire, shallots, and sorrel add unique flavours to any dish.
Happy cooking and happy eating!
