Moving into July means an abundance of vibrant, sun-ripened produce - it’s the perfect time to enjoy fragrant herbs, crisp vegetables, and fruits bursting with natural sweetness. Eating seasonally during the warmth of this month means light, flavourful meals whilst embracing fresher ingredients, low food miles, and supporting local growers. Whether you’re hosting a barbeque for friends or family, throwing together a picnic, or planning a simple weeknight dinner, July is all about celebrating abundance and simplicity - letting the produce speak for itself.

Seasonal Vegetables in July

Beetroot

A great source of folate and antioxidants, tender beetroots are perfect for brightening up summer dishes. A natural sweetness and vibrant colour makes them great for roasting, grating into salads, or blending into dips.

How to Enjoy Them: Try tossing warm wedges with crumbled goat’s cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic glaze for a salad that hits all the right notes - sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy!

Runner Beans

Best during the summer months, runner beans offer a slightly stronger tone and are a little tougher than green beans.

How to Enjoy Them: Other than steaming, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them - for something a little different, why not try lightly sautéing with garlic and a little chilli for an extra kick, then toss with toasted almonds and some lemon juice. A vibrant and crunchy side dish to pair with grilled fish or chicken!

Carrots

Freshest during July, carrots are packed full of beta-carotene and thus offer a variety of health benefits. Made for more than just roasting and boiling - carrots add a vibrant crunch to all dishes from creamy coleslaws to stews.

How to Enjoy Them: Try shredding into a vibrant slaw, mixed with ginger, lime juice and coriander (also in season)and pair with grilled meats or tofu.

Cabbage

In July, cabbage is crisp, fresh, and packed full of nutrients - great for fermenting into sauerkraut, or lightly stir-frying for a quick and healthy side dish.

How to Enjoy Them: Finely shred and toss with apple cider vinegar, mustard, and some honey for the perfect crunchy side to pair with barbeques or enjoyed in sandwiches

Herbs in Season this July

Oregano

With a warm and earthy note, this bold herb thrives in the summer sun. Oregano is a classic herb in Mediterranean dishes - a little goes a long way in everything from grilled meats to sauces.

How to Enjoy Them: Finely chop and stir into a quick marinade of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, perfect for brushing over grilled veg or chicken for a Greek-style dish!

Chives

Offering a fresh, mild onion undertone, chives are best used raw, as a garnish, or added to light dishes. Pair best with eggs, soft cheese, and new potatoes for a subtle, delicate note.

How to Enjoy Them: Finely chop and mix into dips, cream cheese or butter for a herby spread.

Coriander

Citrusy, fragrant, and an aesthetic garnishing herb, coriander’s bold franpairs well with curries, soups and even salads.

How to Enjoy Them: Roughly chop and add to a mango salsa with chilli and lime. Enjoy with tortilla chips, spoon over tacos or pair with grilled fish for a summery kick

Dill

At it’s optimal flavour, Dill is fresh, feathery, and aromatic - great for adding subtle notes to pickles, seafood dishes, and creamy dressings.

How to Enjoy Them: Chop and stir into Greek Yoghurt with fresh garlic, cucumber, lemon juice, salt to taste, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing homemade tzatziki - perfect as a dip with flatbread or pitta.

Fruits in Season this July

Blueberries

Packed with antioxidants, blueberries ripen beautifully in July, making them a seasonal favourite as a sweet snack or baked into something delicious.

How to Enjoy Them: Pair with fresh spinach, goat’s cheese and toasted pecans, then drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a summery salad with a sweet and juicy note!

Currants

July is the season for both red and black currants, offering a mix of tart and tangy bursts of flavour. Rich in vitamin C, they’re ideal for making jellies, syrups or add a sharp contrast to both sweet and savoury delicacies.

How to Enjoy Them: Enjoy alongside grilled meats or even simmer with sugar and lemon juice for a quick compote to pour over cheesecake, porridge or yoghurt

Raspberries

Raspberries are at their sweetest and most fragrant during July, making them perfect for all your summer recipes - incorporate into light desserts, preserve as homemade jams, or even add to refreshing drinks.

How to Enjoy Them: Gently fold into whipped cream and crushed meringue for a classic Eton Mess, or mix into jelly and layer under whipped cream, custard, and sponge cake for the creamy trifle!

How to Make the Most of July’s Produce - Preserving Ideas

July’s harvest of ripe fruits, fragrant herbs, and crisp vegetables makes for the perfect time to preserve the season’s flavours for the months ahead. Whether you’re bottling, pickling, or freezing, these simple ideas will help you enjoy July’s produce all year round.

Berry Compote: Simmer summer berries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice for a quick compote. Store in sterilised jars or freeze in small portions, great with Greek yoghurt, porridge, or pancakes.

Herb-Infused Oils: Preserve fresh herbs by infusing them into olive oil - use for dressings, marinades or drizzle over roasted vegetables.

Dried Herbs: Dry bunches of herbs like oregano and chives by hanging them upside down in a warm, airy spot. Once dried, crumble into jars and use year-round.

Frozen Berries: Freeze blueberries, currants, or loganberries in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to bags. Great for fruit smoothies, baking or topping overnight oats!

Final Thoughts

Preserving food is more than just a practical skill—it’s a way of prolonging the season’s harvest and reducing waste. With July’s harvest at its peak, there’s never a better time to capture those bold, fresh flavours. Whether you're freezing, drying, fermenting, or pickling, these simple methods will fill your cupboards with vibrancy and fragrance —long after the sun has set on summer.

Farm to Fork: Make the Most of July’s Freshest Flavours