July foods in season and what to cook with them
It's the height of summer which means the vegetable gardens are full of flavoursome produce, fruits are ripe for the picking and there’s a plentiful selection of meat and seafood for the barbecue. We've rounded up the very best recipes to make the most of the seasonal abundance.
Vegetables
July is a riot of colour when it comes to vegetables. Eat your greens with courgettes, broad beans, peas 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. Although technically a fruit, tomatoes are widely available and will pair well with this month's top herb choice – basil.
Broad bean pod fritters with sriracha mayonnaise
Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil
British tomato toast with poached egg and parsley
New Kitchen Basics/Quadrille
Meat
Early season lamb continues to fill the butchers and supermarket shelves, and now is also a good time to give rabbit a go. While the sun is out, wheel out the barbecue and stick everything on the grill, including steaks, sausages and burgers.
Porchetta-style pork kebabs with white beans
Lamb and chorizo burger with apricot salsa
Spatchcocked chicken with green beans
Food52 Any Night Grilling/Ten Speed Press
Seafood
Seafood is bountiful in July so take your pick from halibut, salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna, which also taste great when grilled. Plenty of shellfish are on offer too, including prawns and crab which are ideal for salads and sandwiches as well as light pasta dishes. You can expect to see scallops from mid-July as well.
Grilled king prawns with chermoula
Smoked mackerel, orange and beetroot salad
Fish finger tacos with watermelon salsa
California: Living + Eating/Hardie Grant
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 and there are many great desserts you can whip up with raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. On the hotter days, cool yourself with a refreshing slice (or two) of watermelon.
Strawberry and buttermilk ice cream
Caramel, plum and raspberry crêpe cake
Watermelon granita with shortbread
The Great British Bake Off/Sphere
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