Vegetables
King Edward Potatoes - Main crop starting late August.
Maris Peer Potatoes - Good for making potato salad.
Jersey Royal Potatoes - Still holding their own at the beginning of June although their price will rise as their season draws to a close. Steam or boil, butter them & serve with chopped parsley. For the best potato salad chop up the potatoes when they are just cooked through then toss in vinaigrette & add finely chopped spring onions or chives chives.
Beans - Broad beans, dwarf French beans & Scarlet runners will be available before the end of June.
Runner Beans - Getting better during JUly, serve runner beans warm with salmon.
Peas - Should be in season by the end of May. Perfect with new potatoes or fresh salmon. Mangetout & Sugar Snap Peas getting better during August.
Cabbage - Look out for Hispi & Primo varieties - delicious for shredding with salads. Primo is ideal for making coleslaw or for eating hot.
Courgettes - The English varieties are available from JUne. Look for bright green skin with creamy white flesh, make sure they are firm before buying. Slice & grill with lemon, garlic, sea salt & a dash of olive oil.
Aubergine - Still full of flavour in July.
Brocolli - Just coming into season from July.
Asparagus - Will be finished by the end of June. Eat with salmon or use for soup & sauces. Only use the tips as the stems get woodier.
Artichoke - Look for firm leaves tightly packed with some stem attached, cook within two days of purchase.
Pumpkin & Squash - Very tasty from August, best before end of October.
Cauliflower - Should be plentiful if there have not been any frosts. Summer cauliflower should have fresh green leaves & nice white flesh. Boil for 5-8 mins in water adding a large squeeze of lemon juice. Toss in white wine vinegar while warm & add some almonds & raisins.
Brussels Sprouts - Coming to the end of their season in March, avoid large & yellowing brussels. Don't overcook, keep firm & dark green when served, serve with nutmeg & butter. Try brussels from Spain or Italy.
Leeks - Baby leeks are delicious during August.
Parsnip & Turnip - After cooking shred finely & use as a salad vegetable while their young.
Spring Onions - A real zingy flavour & are lovely for potato salads with Jersey Royals.
Rocket - Delicious served with shavings of parmesan cheese.
Cucumbers - English cucumbers getting towards their best in JUne, lovely in sandwiches. Chop cucumber into small chunks with mint & mix with natural yogurt & a squeeze of lemon, serve with a curry.
Radishes - Sharp & full of flavour in summer months. Eat them whole or sprinkle slivers into salad. Sauté shavings with sea salt in the lightest olive oil & serve with cold salmon.
Sweetcorn - Just starting a new season in August.
Celery - New season just starts in July.
Tomato - In full season during August, rich & juicy, ideal for salads.
Lettuce - Cos, Webb, Iceberg & Little Gem full of flavour. Look out for oakleaf, lambs lettuce & curly endive for great flavours in July.
Beetroot - Fat & tasty, serve as a warm vegetable with baked gammon.
Green Calabrese - Nice as a hot vegetable or for cold dips.
Peppers - English season just starting from July, red, orange & yellow will be sweet.
Chillies - Excellent this time of year.
Garlic - At its peak in August.
Herbs - Basil : nice for tomato salads with extra virgin olive oil, Marjoram/Oregano : lovely addition to veg dishes, Parsley : nice chopped through a green salad, Sage : good with pork or chicken, Tarragon : fragrant & nice with chicken, Thyme : lemon thyme is nice with fish.
