Fresh Produce:

British cherries are one of the true stars of the month. Their season is relatively short, making July the ideal time to enjoy them at their peak. A lesser-known fact is that lighter-coloured cherries are often naturally sweeter and best enjoyed fresh, while darker varieties tend to carry more acidity, making them particularly well suited to compotes, sauces and baking. Whether paired with chocolate, almonds or summer stone fruit, British cherries are one of the great pleasures of the season.

British strawberries continue to perform exceptionally well, with strong flavour, colour and availability. Alongside raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, they provide plenty of opportunities for seasonal desserts, breakfast menus and drinks. The recent spell of warm weather has accelerated ripening and helped drive sweetness across many berry crops, although we will continue to monitor conditions as the season progresses.

July also sees the arrival from our friends in the EU of the always popular passion fruit, bringing its unmistakable tropical aroma and bright acidity to summer menus. Whether paired with berries, folded through desserts or used in cocktails, it offers a welcome contrast to the abundance of British fruit currently available.

New season carrots are beginning to arrive, bringing a freshness and sweetness that is difficult to replicate at any other time of year. Courgettes are another standout performer, with excellent quality and improving availability as UK production gathers momentum. From ribbons and fritters to charred halves straight from the grill, they are one of the most versatile vegetables of the summer months.

For chefs looking to add something a little different, samphire is now at its peak. Often referred to as a sea vegetable, its crisp texture and naturally salty flavour make it a classic companion to seafood and lighter summer dishes.

The brassica category is also looking strong. British broccoli, cauliflower and a range of cabbages including red cabbage, white cabbage and savoy cabbage are all showing good quality and reliable supply. Meanwhile, cavolo nero is beginning to make a seasonal appearance, bringing its distinctive dark leaves and versatility to both modern and traditional menus.

Across salads, UK-grown lettuces including iceberg, lollo rosso, lollo bionda and oak leaf are now readily available, providing a fresh, local foundation for summer dishes. We are also beginning to see Italian borettane onions come into season. Their naturally sweet flavour and compact shape make them particularly well suited to roasting whole, pickling or serving alongside grilled meats and vegetables.

Another seasonal transition worth noting is the Bramley apple. July marks the final stretch of the fresh British crop before the market moves fully onto stored fruit later in the summer. While quality remains excellent, now is the time to make the most of freshly harvested Bramleys in crumbles, sauces and baking.

July also marks the final chapter for one of Britain’s most celebrated seasonal crops. British asparagus is now drawing to a close after another excellent season. While imported product will soon take over, these final weeks offer one last opportunity to enjoy the delicate flavour and quality that makes British asparagus such a favourite among chefs each summer.