British Summer is finally upon us and before our ever so short-lived season melts away into the Autumn, I've gathered some of my favourite seasonal produce to make this Summer extra special. Listed below are six of my culinary delights which will make those barbecues, picnics and alfresco dining experiences on long summer evenings even more memorable.
1. Fresh Elderflower Blossom
The month of July is a prosperous time of year for the elderflower blossom, where the delicate and fragrant flower is growing in abundance. For me, this elegant flowering plant is synonymous with summer and accordingly is a staple ingredient for refreshing summer drinks.
A popular cocktail at summer garden parties is an elderflower fizz, in which the elderflower can be combined with gin, prosecco , sugar and lemon to create a bubbly and revitalising beverage. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, homemade elderflower cordial with some crushed mint leaves and ice on a hot Summer’s day makes for an equally delicious drink.
This aromatic plant has been heralded as a natural remedy to alleviate pollen allergies, so try a fresh elderflower tea recipe with a teaspoon of honey to help keep hayfever at arm's reach. Be sure to grab this blossom quickly though, as the elderflower plant's blooming season is short-lived, ranging from May to July.
Related Recipes:
The British Larder: Elderflower and Wine Jellies
The British Larder: Strawberry and Elderflower Cordial
2. Flat White Peaches
Often referred to as Doughnut or Saturn peaches, due to their smaller and more squashed appearance, these flat white peaches are still just as popular as they were six or seven years ago when they burst onto the foodie scene and quickly overtook their yellow-fleshed, rounder counter-part as the best peach around!
Here at the Fine Food Specialist we still can't get enough of this juicy and sublimely sweet fruit. They are cultivated in spring until the end of Summer and are delectable enjoyed alone (with some kitchen roll to hand as they are incredibly juicy) or caramelised and served with a scoop of vanilla pod ice cream. Velvety soft on the outside, yet oozing with flavour on the inside, flat white peaches can also be pressed to make yummy juices or added to prosecco for a perfect peach bellini.
Related Recipes:
The Big Red Kitchen: Saturn Peaches in Praline Sauce
3. Globe Artichokes
These Mediterranean vegetables truly are an essential summer ingredient. As a most revered staple vegetable in Italian cuisine, I noticed them in abundance amongst the food markets on the streets of Palermo and Naples.
Globe artichokes are becoming ever-more valued in British cooking. They are in season from June to November and can be eaten boiled, grilled, baked or stuffed ( ideally with some nutty aged Parmesan or salty Romano cheese) .
Try boiling them for 30-40 minutes before placing them on the grill with some extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and simply serve with a dash of lemon juice. If you're feeling extra decadent, why not replace the oil with a knob of luxurious salted butter!
Related Recipes:
Iowagirleats: Roasted Artichokes with Lemon and Garlic
4. Red Tomberries
This moreish, minuscule version of the beloved summer tomato are originally cultivated from the Netherlands and has been making a wave on British shores for quite some time now.
They are sweet but firm and serve as an optimum addition to salads, omelettes or used as a vibrant garnish on a variety of summer dishes. These tempting tomatoes are officially the world's smallest tomatoes and are initially enticing because of their similarity to red berries.
These tiny but tantalizing beauties are also cultivated in a bright yellow, which taste very similar to their red counterparts.
Related Recpies:
Madebymargie: Butternut squash fritters with poached egg, tomberries and creme fraiche
5. Hand Grenade Courgettes
These little green beauties are delightful to look at and will undoubtedly impress your guests when served up at a summer dinner party. Small round courgettes, often referred to as hand grenade courgettes because of their size, are too pretty to be simply thrown into a zucchini frittata, save that for their longer counterparts!
I prefer keeping their shape and roasting them, then stuffing them with garlic, red onion, pancetta and a generous sprinkling of Pecorino cheese. They are in season for most of the year but for me they really are synonymous with summer as they make for a healthy, light but satisfying alternative to meat dishes in the warm weather.
Related Recipes:
Social Pantry: Stuffed Round Courgette
6. French Gariguette Strawberries
With Wimbledon in full swing, it's time to celebrate with the customary treat that goes hand in hand with the tournament itself; strawberries and cream! As an avid tennis fan myself, I couldn't imagine enjoying this world class competition without this classic combination. French Gariguette Strawberries are a personal favorite of mine, as they are notably sweeter and more succulent than other varieties.
With a delicate flesh, they are soft and particularly mouthwatering as they are far more juicy than various other strawberries. Originally harvested in Provence, French Gariguette Strawberries are becoming the opitimum choice here in Britain. Ruby-red in colour, these aromatic strawberries are a fantastic addition to a picnic hamper then served with a large dollop of clotted or whipped cream!
Related Recipes:
DoitinParis: Seasonal Spring Tart with Gariguette Strawberries
Other seasonal treats include: Yellow courgettes, Green Tiger tomatoes, Padron peppers, kumquouts and courgette flowers .
