Are you looking to add some freshness and vibrancy to your summer menu, then look no further than these seasonal vegetables available in July.
From crisp salads to hearty stews, these vegetables can elevate your dishes and impress your customers.
The Star Performers of July
As July unfolds in the UK, a rich palette of seasonal vegetables comes into its prime. Ready to enhance any summer dish with their vibrant colours and fresh flavours.
Bunched heritage carrots, straight from the fields and bunched with their leafy tops, have a crunch and natural sweetness.
They are perfect for adding a pop of colour and nutrition to salads. Or they can be roasted with a drizzle of honey and herbs for a caramelised treat.
Meanwhile, spinach, with its tender leaves, becomes an excellent choice for adding a nutritional punch to meals, from smoothies to quiches.
Among the standout performers are courgettes, which can be transformed into a myriad of dishes. From char-grilled slices that add smokiness to salads, to spiralised forms that bring a refreshing twist to traditional pasta.
Broad beans and peas emerge as sweet jewels of the season. They are perfect for lending a crisp, fresh pop to risottos or enriching a summer salad with their verdant hues.
Beetroot, with its earthy sweetness, offers versatility in the kitchen. Equally delightful whether roasted and combined with tangy goat’s cheese or grated raw to add crunch and colour to a leafy salad.
Salad leaves like rocket and watercress, offer a peppery bite that can elevate simple sandwiches or serve as a delicate base for more complex salad creations.
Swiss chard and kale, with their robust leaves, are ideal for cooking. Whether sautéed with garlic for a simple side or incorporated into soups and stews.
Something Different
July in the UK is not just about enjoying the usual favourites. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the more unique vegetables that are at their prime.
Kohlrabi, with its peculiar bulbous shape and crisp texture, offers a radish-like crispness with a slightly sweeter taste. This makes it a refreshing addition to any summer salad. Its versatility doesn’t end there. Kohlrabi can also be roasted to bring out a deeper flavour or turned into a crunchy, tangy pickle.
Fennel, another not-so-common vegetable, can transform dishes with its bold character.
Thinly slicing fennel and adding it to salads introduces a delightful crunch and a burst of flavour. Conversely, slow-roasting it softens its texture and mellows its taste, making it a perfect companion to fish or poultry.
Samphire – a sea vegetable that boasts a crisp texture and a taste reminiscent of the ocean. It requires minimal cooking, often just a quick blanch or a gentle sauté, making it an excellent side dish that pairs wonderfully with seafood.
Growers Updates
Spring Onions – The UK crop is currently suffering from white rot so availability for this week has dropped dramatically. Expect limited availability and price increases.
Imported Tenderstem – The Spanish and Portuguese season is coming to an end.
Tenderstem UK – There is still enough to keep up with demand, although availability will be limited for the next couple of weeks.
Cabbage & Cauliflower – Due to the weather in the UK and the rest of Europe, pointed cabbage, savoy cabbage and cauliflower are in short supply so expect prices to rise.
Fine Beans – Prices are starting to rise. Due to the flooding in Kenya, most of what was planted after the floods has not produced, meaning yields are massively down. Please expect price increases and limited availability.
Spinach – The cold nights have had a detrimental effect on the UK spinach crop – yields are very low and we have had to buy Italian produce to cover orders this week. These are, however, more expensive.
Creative Menus
Elevating your menu with July’s seasonal vegetables can genuinely captivate your clientele.
For a fresh twist, consider introducing a vibrant beetroot carpaccio.
Thinly sliced and dressed with a zesty orange vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast that is both visually appealing and tantalising to the palate.
Courgettes can be the star of a light, summery tart, accompanied by a fragrant basil pesto that complements the vegetable’s subtle flavour.
Broad beans lend themselves beautifully to a velvety hummus, enriched with a hint of mint, perfect as a starter or a wholesome addition to a sharing platter.
Peas can be transformed into a bright, flavour-packed risotto. Their sweetness accentuated with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh mint, making for a comforting yet sophisticated dish.
Incorporating rocket and watercress into your salads adds a peppery punch. Pair them with roasted nuts and a balsamic glaze for a simple yet satisfying dish.
If you’ve enjoyed our Seasonal Vegetables in July Update, see our July fruit update here.
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