The Source
Beautiful writing about delicious British food. Articles, comments and musings from our contributors.
Eating seasonally has a host of benefits; you’ll be getting the freshest, most nutritious and delicious fruit and vegetables, rather than those that have been in cold storage for weeks. Out of season vegetables start to lose their nutrients straight after they are picked – so enjoy food whilst it is fresh! Buying in-season is also more environmentally friendly, as you’re relying on what’s grown locally in Britain, rather than jetted in from far-off locations; and it can be more economical too, as seasonal food markets and your local farm shops often have the best deals on produce.
What is in season now?
June and July is the time to buy asparagus, broccoli, beetroot, broad beans, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, kale, rocket, lettuce, peas, spinach, tomatoes, funnel, green beans, runner beans, spring onions, peppers, and aubergines. For fruit, look out for fresh strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, gooseberries, cherries, apricots, blueberries, peaches and blackcurrants.
What to cook?
Take inspiration from these recipes showcasing brilliant British, in season produce whilst they’re at their finest. Not sure where to start? Read on to see two brilliantly fresh dishes selected from Love British Food ambassadors, and take a look at their social media pages for guides to eating and cooking seasonally in the early summer months.
Gillian Hudson’s Quinoa salad with baby watermelon, Greek feta, cucumber, red onion, chopped fresh basil, rapeseed oil mighty sees from Hillfarm Oils, and extra virgin olive oil.
Phillipa Davis’ dreamy smoked mackerel from Macneils Smokehouse, with crème fraiche, beetroot, coriander, garlic and sumac dressing.
For more inspiration from Philippa head to @philippadavis_food
Where to shop?
Check for food provenance labels in your local supermarket to see where fruit and vegetables were grown and try to support the farm-to-fork approach with produce which have low food miles (a mile over which a food item is transported during the journey from producer to consumer). If you’re in a rural community, there are often town food markets where local producers sell their locally-grown seasonal produce; a farmers market is a brilliant place to get fresh produce and support your local British farmers. Support your local butchers, our ambassadors HG Walter provide the very best meat with their focus on supporting quality, consistency and sustainable farming. There are many farm shops and pop-up shops serving a range of farm produce, like our ambassadors Gelston Lamb in Lincolnshire, who produce award winning lamb and mutton, alongside sourcing local free range pork and grass fed beef. If you’d prefer a selection of fresh produce delivered straight to your home, try Riverford Organic, Daylesford Organic, The Organic Pantry, or Oddbox.
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