Seasonal eats - Fresh ideas for June

Welcome to the summertime!  In the UK, we have hit it - its pouring with rain, thunder and lightening and soooo hot you cant sleep or breath.  Hay fever is here so we are all coughing and sneezing, eyes streaming and faces puffy!  Yay - hello summer.

Although - saying that, the mornings are definitely brighter earlier and as long as its not shockingly bad weather wise, its light enough in the evenings (until quite late in fact) to hit the pub garden after work for a quick pimms/gin/cider.....or get down to the beach for a few beers....Anyone?

*For our pick of the 10 best summer cocktails - please sign up for the newsletter here

So summer season is here and as well as the light and the beer gardens and the hay fever, I have been indulging a few of my favourite fruits and veggies that are great, fresh and local this time of year.

Seasonal veggies

Think GREEN and look for:

Broad Beans
Chicory
Runner Beans / String Beans / Green Beans
Mangetout
Peas
Mint

Then still in season are:
New potatoes
Radishes (check out my lovely bunch!) 


Spinach
Spring Onions
Watercress




*We shared a super summer recipe via @Simplycookcom on Twitter yesterday using these ingredients - see that and re-share here


And saving my favourite to last - ASPARAGUS *See our first ever blog "A is for Asparagus" for summer seasonal asparagus recipes and info


Seasonal Fruits

So think green for the veg and RED for the fruits this time of year:
Raspberries
Cherries
Tomatoes
And my summer favourite - STRAWBERRIES

*Check out the recipe on Facebook or Instagram for the beauties below - yes we fried strawberries for a summer supper yesterday!

Seasonal Meat and Fish:

Of course in the UK (in the summer rain) BBQ season is upon us so outdoor grilling of still in season LAMB is your best bet for freshness, cost and indeed to buy British if you are thinking local.

Makerel, Salmon, Sea Bass and Trout are also great this time of year - try fish on the BBQ for a healthy option - and shellfish - well June is all about the CRAB.

GROW YOUR OWN?

You haven't yet?  No problem get prepared for next year because strawberries and tomatoes especially are 2 of the easiest you can grow at home.  You don't need a garden or allotment, just a couple pots on a patio or window ledge will be fine. 

Here are some growing tips from (nothing but the best) The Royal Horticultural Society.  And if you didn't plant already that's still ok - you can buy the plants and keep them this month.  Look after them nicely, as per instructions in the links below and harvest in a few weeks - July strawberries and toms are just as super tasty and sweet!

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/fruit/strawberries

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/tomatoes

Ok, and last but not least - completely off the seasonal subject as not usually one we talk about this time of year is celery. But I want to finish this with a mini CELERY CELEBRATION!  You might have seen our website news in March spreading awareness for Nutrition and Hydration week (https://nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk/) where we talked about vegetables that can hydrate as they hold a very high water content.  Well celery was one of those and its so super simple to grow your own - did you know that?  

*Hydration is something to keep in mind during June and the summer months too, so please read the info here: http://www.nitakothari.com/day-2-nutrition-hydration-week-2016/  

And look at my little celery plant growing on my kitchen window sill after only 2 days >>>>>>>>>>>>>

How exciting!  I'm so impressed that this is actually working - celebrate celery and do one yourself!  

*I will keep you updated on the growth and development of this little one via the newsletter (just click to signup and see the little one grow plus find out more on how to grow your own)

So there you have it - seasonal stuff for JUNE

Enjoy the sun, thunder, beer gardens and hay fever, and make sure you eat some strawberries, grow something yourself and sign up for healthy summer cocktail recipes plus updates on our baby celery success. 

You can also share your home grown goodies and any summer recipes with us via social - Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Any questions, just drop us an email: info@nitakothari.com 

www.nitakothari.com

 **Please remember this is advice ONLY (as is all other information contained in this blog, the website and social media related to it) None of the info or advice is intended to override any recommendation from your GP or health professional**