As the summer months reach their peak, the UK’s farms and gardens are bursting with an array of delicious and nutritious produce. August is a fantastic time to get out and explore the local farmers’ markets, farm shops, and pick-your-own farms to sample the best of the season’s offerings. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s in season in the UK this August, and provide some inspiration for making the most of the summer harvest.
Summer Fruits
August is a fantastic time for fruit lovers, with a wide range of juicy and sweet treats available. Some of the highlights of the summer fruit season include:
Stone Fruits
Stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, and plums are at their peak in August. These sweet and succulent fruits are perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to salads. Look out for varieties like ‘Peregrine’ peaches and ‘Stanley’ plums for the best flavor.
Berries
The summer months are the perfect time to indulge in a berry bonanza. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are all in season, and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Try making a summer fruit salad with a mix of berries, stone fruits, and a splash of citrus juice for a refreshing and healthy dessert.
Other Summer Fruits
Other summer fruits that are in season in August include melons, grapes, and figs. Melons like watermelon and cantaloupe are perfect for hot summer days, while grapes can be enjoyed fresh or used to make a refreshing summer wine. Figs are a sweet and savory treat that can be enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts.
Summer Vegetables
While the summer months are often associated with fruits, there are also a wide range of delicious and nutritious vegetables available. Some of the highlights of the summer vegetable season include:
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are at their peak in August. These nutritious vegetables are perfect for adding to salads, smoothies, or sautéing as a side dish. Look out for varieties like ‘Lolla Rosa’ lettuce and ‘Red Russian’ kale for the best flavor.
Brassicas
Brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are also in season in August. These versatile vegetables can be enjoyed steamed, roasted, or sautéed, and are a great addition to a variety of dishes. Try making a summer slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing side dish.
Other Summer Vegetables
Other summer vegetables that are in season in August include beans, peas, and corn. Beans and peas are perfect for adding to salads, stir-fries, or steaming as a side dish, while corn is a sweet and savory treat that can be enjoyed grilled, boiled, or roasted.
Herbs and Flowers
In addition to fruits and vegetables, August is also a great time to enjoy a wide range of herbs and flowers. Some of the highlights of the summer herb and flower season include:
Culinary Herbs
Culinary herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary are at their peak in August. These fragrant herbs are perfect for adding to a variety of dishes, from salads and sauces to soups and stews. Try making a summer pesto with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil for a delicious and easy sauce.
Edible Flowers
Edible flowers like nasturtiums, violas, and pansies are also in season in August. These colorful flowers can be used to add a pop of color and flavor to salads, desserts, and drinks. Try making a summer salad with fresh greens, edible flowers, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing and healthy meal.
Meat, Dairy, and Fish
While the summer months are often associated with fruits and vegetables, there are also a wide range of delicious and nutritious meat, dairy, and fish options available. Some of the highlights of the summer meat, dairy, and fish season include:
Grass-Fed Beef
Grass-fed beef is at its peak in August, with many farms offering a range of cuts and products. Look out for varieties like ‘Aberdeen Angus’ and ‘Hereford’ for the best flavor.
Free-Range Chicken
Free-range chicken is also in season in August, with many farms offering a range of products and cuts. Try making a summer salad with grilled chicken, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing for a healthy and delicious meal.
Seafood
Seafood like salmon, mackerel, and crab are also in season in August. These delicious and nutritious options are perfect for grilling, baking, or adding to a variety of dishes. Try making a summer seafood salad with fresh seafood, greens, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing and healthy meal.
Preserving the Harvest
One of the best ways to enjoy the summer harvest is to preserve it for later in the year. There are a wide range of preservation methods available, including freezing, canning, and pickling. Some of the best ways to preserve the summer harvest include:
Freezing
Freezing is a great way to preserve fruits and vegetables for later in the year. Simply chop or slice the produce, blanch it in boiling water, and then freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Canning
Canning is another great way to preserve fruits and vegetables, and can be used to make a wide range of products, from jams and chutneys to pickles and sauces. Simply chop or slice the produce, pack it into sterilized jars, and then heat it in a boiling water bath to create a vacuum seal.
Pickling
Pickling is a great way to preserve vegetables and fruits, and can be used to make a wide range of products, from traditional dill pickles to spicy kimchi. Simply chop or slice the produce, soak it in a brine solution, and then store it in the fridge or a cool place.
In conclusion, August is a fantastic time to enjoy the summer harvest in the UK. With a wide range of delicious and nutritious fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a foodie, a gardener, or just someone who loves to cook and eat, the summer harvest is a time to get out and explore the local farmers’ markets, farm shops, and pick-your-own farms to sample the best of the season’s offerings.
What fruits are in season in the UK during August?
August is a great time for fruit lovers in the UK, with a variety of delicious fruits in season. Some of the most popular fruits available during this time include blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. These fruits are perfect for snacking, baking, or making into jams and preserves.
You can also find other fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums in season during August. These fruits are great for eating fresh or using in desserts like pies and tarts. Many of these fruits are available at local farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms, and in supermarkets across the UK.
What vegetables are in season in the UK during August?
August is a great time for vegetable lovers in the UK, with a wide variety of delicious vegetables in season. Some of the most popular vegetables available during this time include runner beans, broad beans, and French beans. These beans are perfect for boiling, steaming, or sautéing and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Other vegetables in season during August include courgettes, marrows, and sweetcorn. These vegetables are great for grilling, roasting, or boiling and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to main courses. Many of these vegetables are available at local farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms, and in supermarkets across the UK.
What herbs are in season in the UK during August?
August is a great time for herb lovers in the UK, with a variety of delicious herbs in season. Some of the most popular herbs available during this time include basil, mint, and parsley. These herbs are perfect for using in salads, sauces, and marinades.
Other herbs in season during August include dill, chives, and tarragon. These herbs are great for using in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads, and can add a lot of flavor to your cooking. Many of these herbs are available at local farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms, and in supermarkets across the UK.
Can I still find asparagus in season during August in the UK?
Unfortunately, asparagus is typically out of season by August in the UK. Asparagus is usually in season from April to June, so by August, it’s no longer available. However, you may still be able to find some asparagus in supermarkets or specialty stores, although it may be imported from other countries.
If you’re looking for a similar vegetable to asparagus, you might consider trying green beans or runner beans, which are both in season during August. These beans have a similar texture to asparagus and can be used in many of the same dishes.
What’s the best way to store fruits and vegetables that are in season during August?
The best way to store fruits and vegetables that are in season during August will depend on the specific type of fruit or vegetable. Generally, it’s best to store fruits and vegetables in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. For fruits like berries, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
For vegetables like beans and courgettes, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. You can also store these vegetables in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. It’s also a good idea to use up fruits and vegetables as soon as possible after purchasing them to ensure they stay fresh.
Can I still find strawberries in season during August in the UK?
While strawberries are typically in season from May to July in the UK, some varieties may still be available in August. These strawberries are often referred to as “second crop” or “autumn-bearing” strawberries, and they’re usually available from mid to late summer.
If you’re looking for strawberries in August, you may be able to find them at local farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms, or in some supermarkets. However, the selection may be limited, and the strawberries may not be as sweet or flavorful as those available during the peak season.
What’s the best way to enjoy the fruits and vegetables that are in season during August in the UK?
There are many ways to enjoy the fruits and vegetables that are in season during August in the UK. One of the best ways is to eat them fresh, either on their own or as part of a salad or other dish. You can also use these fruits and vegetables in a variety of recipes, such as jams, preserves, and baked goods.
Another great way to enjoy the fruits and vegetables that are in season during August is to preserve them for later use. You can do this by freezing, canning, or dehydrating the fruits and vegetables, which will allow you to enjoy them throughout the year. Many people also enjoy pickling or making chutneys with the fruits and vegetables that are in season during August.