July is the best of months on the market, with plenty of colour and choice to liven up any menu. Here what’s hot to trot:

Fruit

Soft fruit is abundant, including British gooseberries, currants, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and, of course, strawberries.  English cherries have arrived, joining imports from Spain, Turkey and France. (See our Seasonal Highlight feature from last month. British growers are reporting a good harvest! )

For top fruit, this is the time for Spain to send its lovely peaches and nectarines (including ‘flat’ varieties and white peaches) and excellent apricots. Melons of all kinds are another sensible bet.

Veg

The first British runners have joined peas and broad beans. Courgettes, courgette flowers and marrows are also a fine choice.

Tomatoes of all shapes, colours and sizes are in their prime. Other British options of note include broccoli, Savoy and black cabbage, kale, spuds and leeks. Note that English asparagus is over for the season.

Extras 

British salads are at their best – all varieties are available, along with terrific herbs – both micro and fully grown. For Continental specialties, how about some beautiful speckled borlotti beans? Alternatives include artichokes, sweetcorn, purple caulis and purple onions. Wild mushrooms include mousserron, cep and morels.