What’s in season in July?
Don’t you just love the explosion of colour in summer? The soft, blossomy pinks and yellows of spring have subsided and have been replaced by brighter, bolder colours more fitting for the dramatic weather of July. Sultry and sweaty one moment, then dark and stormy the next. Fantastic!
As always, the month’s seasonal foods share this sense of drama with big, brash colours and dark, heavy flavours…
Fruit & Vegetables in Season in July
Beetroot
Garlic
Peach
Watermelon
I love beetroot in all its forms – pickled in a ham sandwich or just boiled and in a soup or salad. It’s sweet, earthiness goes brilliantly with a sharp, creamy goats cheese, or tangy orange.
Peaches are so tantalizing this time of year, that it almost seems a shame to do anything more with it than just pluck them from the fruit bowl and gratefully savour each bite. That being said, a peach tart with crumbly, buttery pastry and the sweet, juicy fruit, really is something to behold. The only way to improve it is to add a dollop of vanilla ice cream…
As for watermelon, well they’re virtually medicinal this time of year. On those really hot days when you just can’t get cool, then a big slice of chilled watermelon is like a blissful dive into a cool swimming pool on the first day of your hols. Try whizzing it up in your blender with some ice cubes and a bit of lime juice. Doesn’t get more refreshing than that! If you want to add a drop of vodka then I’m not going to stop you…
For some recipes including all three of these fantastic seasonal treats, check out a recent guest post that I wrote over on Allspice & Acrylics for a really inspirational blogger called Amy Oestreicher. Do take the time to have a look round her blog too – her story is an amazing one.
Meat & Fish in Season in July
Clams
Monkfish
Scallops
Squid
It’s a great time to live by the sea! Shame I live in Nottingham really… These are some of my favourites when it comes to seafood. Scallops are such a huge luxury for me. Done properly they just melt in your mouth and are sweet and beautiful. I absolutely love them cooked simply in some butter, maybe with some crispy smoked bacon lardons or some pureed, minted peas… As for squid, these are so often maligned, being called rubbery and chewy. This is only the case if they’re over-cooked. Done just right, they are tender as can be and just perfect with some garlic, lemon and chilli.
Don’t believe me? Try some of these fab recipes for size…
Scallops with Pancetta & Mint Butter – Jamie Oliver
Scallop Pops – Josh Eggleton/Great British Chefs
Salt & Pepper Squid – Nigella
Greek Style Squid with Lemon, Garlic & Olive Oil – Delia Online
My other seasonal posts:
What’s in season in September?
