Eating seasonally reduces the energy (and CO2 emissions) needed to grow and transport food, and keeps money in our local economy.
June is a great time for seasonal UK produce – summer fruits like strawberries, raspberries and tomatoes are just coming through. And whilst they are available in the supermarkets all year round, eating them out of season means more air miles, and ultimately, less flavour.
Eating them now, when they’re truly at their best, is a different experience entirely!
SO WHAT’S IN SEASON IN THE UK IN JUNE?
British produce is at its best in the late spring and summer; we get to enjoy juicy soft fruits and those vibrant colours that just can’t be found in the colder months.
On the fruit front, look for bilberries, blueberries, gooseberries, greengages, and the first of the summer cherries and strawberries. Herbs like basil , chervil, chives, coriander, dill, elderflowers, oregano, mint, nasturtium, parsley, rosemary, sage, sorrel, tarragon, and thyme should all be easily available now.
And meat / fish-wise, look for lamb, wood pigeon, coley, crab, plaice, pollack, sardines, sea bream, sea trout, shrimp, squid, whelks, and whitebait.
FIVE SEASONAL RECIPES TO TRY THIS MONTH
Make the most of June’s produce with some of these simple, seasonal recipes.
- Matt Appleby’s easy Courgette Gratin
- Anna Jones’ Charred Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing
- Olive Magazine’s Strawberry Romanoff
- BBC Good Food’s Lamb Chops with Broad Bean Pesto
- Mikey Bell’s Eggs poached in Chilli Tomatoes
- My Spring Asparagus Pasta
- Jordon Ezra King’s asparagus pizza (see below) – great if you have an Ooni pizza oven!
