Make the most of British summertime with these three seasonal heroes. Gorgeous tomatoes, earthy beetroot and super-fresh runner beans are all at their best in July – celebrate them in style with these mega recipes.
TOMATOES
July marks the start of the tomato season in Britain. These beautiful seasonal vegetables a true taste of summer, and best enjoyed simply – sliced up with a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil, a few leaves of fresh basil and a generous pinch of sea salt. Make the most of these gorgeous sunshine flavours in a rainbow tomato carpaccio, or a light and elegant tomato broth.
Jamie’s beautiful breakfast tortillas
| More seasonal vegetables: How to grow tomatoes at home
BEETROOT
Big, bold beetroot is one of summer’s most versatile veg. Roast it for an all-star salad ingredient, blitz it for a super-summery side dish or slice it thinly for a batch of beetroot crisps – perfect at any picnic. July is only the start of beetroot season, but the perfect time to pair it with other seasonal staples like watercress or tomatoes.
| More seasonal vegetables: The wonderful world of root veg
GREEN BEANS
These classic climbing beans tend to first pop-up at markets around the middle of July. Their fresh flavour is a signal to gardeners and chefs alike – summer is truly here! Enjoy them in a fuss-free traybake, simple bruschetta or paired with gorgeous lemon sole.
For more information on what ingredients you should be cooking with now, check out more of our seasonal features.