Seasonal Treats in June

The British summer food season starts picking up pace this month, with berries galore and savoury treats, too. Here are three of the best.

Strawberries

Yes, we know you can buy strawberries all year round, either grown in the UK under glass in cooler weather, or imported from warmer climes. But, there’s nothing like a freshly picked strawberry ripened under the English sun. Supermarket offerings can tend to be bland, especially Elsanta, which is grown more for its shelf-life than flavour, but Malling Centenary is juicy and sweet. And if the weather is dry, why not visit your local pick-your-own farm – great fun for all the family!

Strawberries are wonderful eaten on their own, dipped in yoghurt, or with sugar and cream as an indulgent treat. For a superhealthy twist, serve with balsamic vinegar, basil or black pepper to enhance their flavour. They are best stored in the fridge, with their stalks intact, then taken out a couple of hours before eating, to reach room temperature. PS: Did you know that a handful of strawberries (around seven medium-sized ones) counts as one of your five a day?

Turbot

Wild turbot is in excellent condition in June. A large flat fish with firm white flesh and, unusually, no scales, it’s expensive but incredibly meaty, so a little goes a long way. You can also use the bones to make stock. It can be steamed, poached, baked, roasted or even cooked in a spicy curry, but probably the best results come from simply grilling or pan-frying gently with lemon, butter and a little black pepper.

Wild thing: elderflowers

The glorious scent of creamy white elderflowers is unmissable in June. These tiny flowers grow in huge clusters from elder trees and shrubs, and you’ll find them everywhere from roadside hedgerows and woods to scrub and wasteland. Like elderberries, they are edible but slightly toxic when raw, so they should be eaten cooked. Elderflowers can also be used to make vinegar and, of course, the classic cordial. They are best picked in the late afternoon on a sunny day, when they are holding more pollen and therefore more flavour. Give the sprigs a good shake to dislodge any insects before using.

June Shopping List

Artichoke, Asparagus, Beetroot, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Courgette, Cucumber, Garlic, Gooseberries, Lettuce, Peas, Potatoes, Radish, Raspberries, Rocket, Rhubarb, Runner Beans, Spinach, Spring Onions, Strawberries, Sugar Snaps, Watercress

Black Bream, Mackerel, Pollack, Turbot, Wild Salmon