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19 July 2021

The days are definitely getting longer and warmer, and thoughts will be turning to barbecues and summer treats.

Scotland has a rich larder all year round, but in summertime we truly are spoiled for choice: with local fruit, vegetables, fish, herbs all in abundance. The list of local treats goes on and on.

Fruit

Raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, blueberries: these are just a few of the favourites to look out for. What about the humble bramble? Another tasty treat.

Don’t forget tomatoes, (treated like a vegetable in British cooking, but because they contain seeds and form a flower they are classed as a fruit by the botanists).

Vegetables

There’s a last chance, in June, to enjoy Asparagus, which is best in May.

And then come cucumber, runner beans, peas, broad beans, rhubarb, beetroot, carrots, fennel… the list goes on.

And the summer potatoes – like the Charlotte potato – ideal for salads. These are classic salad potatoes with a creamy skin and light yellow flesh. They are relatively small with a fresh flavour, which makes them great whether eaten hot or cold. They are ideal as part of a salad when boiled first as they hold their shape well.

As the season moves towards its end, look out for aubergines, courgettes and sweet peppers, each is great in pasta recipes.

Herbs

To add that extra boost of flavour enjoy all the herbs we have in summer too; with basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, chives, parsley, rosemary, coriander, dill, chervil, rocket and borage all enjoying the hotter days.