What Seasonal Eating Actually Looks Like in Summer

Summer is the most forgiving time of year to eat seasonally. The range is wide, the flavours are at their peak, and most of what is in season requires very little cooking. But it helps to know what to look for and when, so you can make the most of the short windows when things are at their best.

July and August: the peak weeks ¶

In the UK, July and August are when the most summer vegetables overlap. Courgettes, tomatoes, cucumbers, runner beans, French beans, salad leaves, new potatoes, and the first sweetcorn all come in during this window. Strawberries peak in July and start to wind down by mid-August. If you are going to eat seasonally at any point in the year, this is the easiest time to do it.

Why summer produce tastes better ¶

The flavour difference in summer produce is mostly about sunlight and time. Tomatoes grown outdoors in July have had weeks of direct sun to develop their sugar and acid content. Courgettes picked small in warm weather have a sweetness that disappears once they get large and watery. Salad leaves cut in the morning and sold the same day have a freshness that is simply not possible with refrigerated, pre-packed alternatives.

The things that disappear quickly ¶

Some summer produce has a very short window. Jersey Royal potatoes are finished by June. The first strawberries of the season, which are often the best, are gone within a few weeks. Outdoor-grown cucumbers are available July through September but not beyond. Knowing these windows means you can plan around them rather than missing them entirely.

What to do when you have too much ¶

Summer abundance is a real thing. If you have more courgettes than you can eat, a slow roast and a jar in the fridge will keep them for a week. Tomatoes can be roasted and frozen. Strawberries make a simple jam with just fruit and sugar. Herbs can be blended with olive oil and frozen in ice cube trays. None of this requires special equipment or a lot of time.

We post a rough stock update every Tuesday and Friday on our notes page. It is the easiest way to know what is worth coming in for that week.