It's the height of summer which means vegetable gardens are full of flavoursome produce, fruits are ripe for the picking and there’s a plentiful selection of meat and seafood perfect for the barbecue. We've rounded up the very best recipes to make the most of the seasonal abundance.
Sections
Vegetables
July is a riot of colour when it comes to vegetables. Eat your greens with courgettes, broad beans, peas, lettuce and spinach. It’s also the best time for aubergines, artichokes, fennel and radishes, and you can spot some of the first baby beetroots appearing as well. The new potato season is slowly drawing to a close, so make the most of those baby spuds while you can. Although technically a fruit, tomatoes are widely available and will pair well with this month's top herb choice – basil.
Barbecued new potatoes with tarragon, peanuts and chipotle
Beetroot, orange and fennel salad
Grilled lettuce with buttermilk dressing
Meat
Lamb continues to fill the butchers and supermarket shelves, light chicken dishes are a good option when the temperature skyrockets, and don't forget about picnic favourites like sausage rolls and homemade mini pies. When the skies are blue and the sun shines, wheel out the barbecue and cook everything on the grill: steaks and sausages, burgers and chicken wings included.
Lamb and chorizo burger with apricot salsa
Cheddar, corn and chilli smash burger
Seafood
Fresh fish is bountiful in July, so take your pick from hake, halibut, salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna, all of which taste great when grilled. There’s an abundance of seafood in season too, including prawns and crab, which are ideal for salads and sandwiches, as well as light pasta dishes. Look out for plump and juicy scallops making an appearance from mid-July.
Hake and butter beans with lemon mayo
Salmon, courgette and lemon kebabs
Fruit
Stone fruit takes centre stage in July, so make sure you enjoy plenty of apricots, nectarines and cherries, as well as the first of the new season peaches. Berries are also at their peak right now; enjoy as is, and don’t forget the likes of raspberries, strawberries and blueberries (and the first blackberries) are brilliant in desserts. On hotter days, cool down with a refreshing slice (or two) of watermelon.
Watermelon granita with shortbread
Lead image: Goskova Tatiana/Shutterstock