It’s hotting up – in the World Cup, Wimbledon and, of course, for summer fruit and veg. July is a fabulous month with plenty to get the mouth watering.

FRUIT

English cherries have arrived for their short but sweet season, competing against large volumes from Spain. All the English soft fruit is now eating well, including redcurrants, blackcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries (green and red) and strawberries.

July is also an excellent time for melons of all kinds (Gala; Canteloupe; Honeydew; Charentais). Watermelons are also reasonably priced.

Flat or ‘donut’ peaches and nectarines are an excellent buy. These are typically Spanish, and join their plums, apricots and round peaches. Brazilian mangoes are high quality. Grapes are often from Chile or Egypt. Apples mainly South African.

VEG

English runner beans now join pea and broad beans. Courgettes, courgette flowers and marrows are other highlights – both homegrown and Continental available on the market.

English salads, including spring onions and watercress, are also abundant. Tomatoes are near their best and available in all shapes and sizes. English broccoli, cauliflower, beets, swede, cabbage  (spring greens; Savoy; Hispi; Primo). Leeks are often French. Lovely mid potatoes include Jersey Royals and crops from Norfolk and Cornwall.

English asparagus is sadly over. From Italy, however, there’s white asparagus or, for a splash of colour, top notch Sicilian aubergines.

EXTRAS

For something a bit different, Pied Bleu and Girolle mushrooms are on hand. Fresh almonds and Borlotti beans can be ordered in advance. Outdoor rhubarb is British and well priced.