Strawberries

Strawberries burst with sweetness and a hint of tartness, making them a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. Their juicy flesh and bright red colour bring an appealing vibrancy to any plate.

Pairing Suggestions: These berries pair beautifully with cream, mint, and citrus. They also lend themselves well to balsamic reduction and black pepper for a sophisticated twist.

Dish Idea: Serve a refreshing strawberry and basil salad drizzled with balsamic glaze. This dish will brighten up any summer menu and can be served as a light starter or alongside grilled meats.

Raspberries

Raspberries offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart notes. Their delicate texture and rich colour make them a popular choice for culinary applications.

Gooseberries

Gooseberries possess a unique tangy flavour profile, with sweetness that varies depending on the ripeness. Their firm skin adds a pleasant texture, making them an interesting addition to various dishes.

Pairing Suggestions: They pair well with sugar, particularly in desserts, as well as with meats like pork and game for a piquant sauce or chutney.

Dish Idea: Consider a gooseberry crumble with an almond topping, which will highlight their tartness and add a comforting element to your dessert offerings.

Cherries

Juicy cherries are synonymous with summer, providing a rich sweetness that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Their deep red hue and glossy exterior make them visually appealing too.

Pairing Suggestions: Cherries complement flavours like vanilla, lemon, and even savoury components such as cheese and balsamic vinegar.

Dish Idea: A cherry compote served with cheese or on top of a panna cotta would make for an elegant dessert that showcases this summer fruit brilliantly.

Blackcurrants

Blackcurrants have an intense tartness with a deep, fruity sweetness. Their robust flavour makes them a staple in preserves and desserts.

Pairing Suggestions: They work well with sweeter items like meringue and cream while also enhancing savoury dishes with game and rich sauces.

Dish Idea: Think about a blackcurrant sauce served over roasted duck, creating a stunning entrée that ties together the richness of the meat with the fruit’s tartness.

Apricots

Apricots bring a delicate sweetness combined with a subtly tangy flavour. Their soft texture and vibrant hue elevate any dish they grace.

Pairing Suggestions: Fantastic with honey, almonds, and both sweet and savoury sauces, apricots enhance a range of culinary applications.

Dish Idea: An apricot and rosemary glaze could work wonders on grilled lamb, marrying the fruit’s sweetness with the aromatic herb.

Redcurrants

With a refreshing burst of tartness and a juicy bite, redcurrants are a delicious addition to both sweet and savoury preparations. Their bright colour draws the eye and adds vibrancy to dishes.

Pairing Suggestions: They pair excellently with desserts, especially meringue and creams, and also shine when used in savoury sauces for meats.

Peaches

Juicy, sweet, and fragrant, peaches are a summer favourite, with a balance of sugar and acidity that makes them incredibly refreshing.

Dish Idea: Try a grilled peach salad with burrata cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of honey for a sublime summer dish.

Mangoes

Richly sweet and aromatic, mangoes are a tropical delight, often referred to as the ‘king of fruits.’ Their creamy texture makes them a treat.

Dish Idea: Prepare a mango salsa to accompany grilled meats, highlighting its vibrant flavour and adding a fresh element to your dishes.

Melons

Crisp, juicy, and subtly sweet, melons are hydrating and perfect for summer menus. Varieties like cantaloupe and honeydew bring distinct tastes to the table.

Dish Idea: Create a melon and prosciutto starter, providing a sweet-savoury contrast that is light yet indulgent.

Figs

Soft and sweet with a unique chewy texture, figs offer a rich, honey-like sweetness that’s enjoyable fresh or dried.

Dish Idea: Serve fresh figs sliced with blue cheese and walnuts for a sophisticated appetiser that showcases their natural sweetness.

Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit presents a delightful tartness with a tropical aroma, balancing sweetness and tang. Their vibrant green flesh adds a pop of colour to dishes.

Dish Idea: Consider a kiwi tart with a lime meringue topping, offering a bouncy, zesty finish that’s sure to impress.

July truly is a magnificent month of abundance for British fruits.

By incorporating these seasonal delights into your menus at pubs, restaurants, and hotels, you’ll elevate your dishes.

At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we pride ourselves on bringing you the freshest, highest-quality fruits that celebrate the best of each season.

For more ideas on seasonal produce, get in touch!