Seasonal Food - Summer Indulgence

We thought we’d take a break from the ‘Gardens of the World’ series to bring you a post on the delicious summer seasonal food making their way onto our dining tables.

We’ve mentioned before that the benefits of eating seasonal food include a lower carbon footprint as well as more flavourful food of far better nutritional and taste quality. It also means that we follow nature’s natural cycle, giving our bodies the right nutrients for the right season. One can think of the warm, full offerings of autumn and winter in comparison to the fresh, lighter foods of summer. Seasonal food also costs a lot less as there is a natural abundance plus less cold storage and transportation needed.

Let’s have a look at the delicious feasts of summer.

Seasonal Food

Image from: foodnetwork.com

From December to February your seasonal fruits and vegetables include:

Apples, pears
Bananas, Pawpaws (papaya), pineapples, granadillas, kiwi fruits, grapes, figs, guavas,
Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, mulberries
Apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, litchis, mangoes
Lemons, nectarines
Sweet melon, watermelon
Avocados

Artichokes, asparagus, aubergines, rhubarb, beetroot
Baby marrows, pattipans
Cabbage, spinach, green beans, carrots, mange tout, mielies (corn)
Baby corn, celery, red onion, tomatoes, watercress, peppers, chives

Indulgent Recipes

Summer eating is much lighter and filled with an abundance of vitamin rich fruits. Vegetables are geared more towards interesting and flavourful salads, stir-fries and sides. Buddha bowls and salads are a great way to incorporate a selection of colourful summer produce, not just a feast for the eyes but also packed with goodness. You can dish up meals such as strawberry, feta and baby spinach salad, peach or nectarine crumble, Sautéed asparagus with fresh salmon, quinoa salads, or a simple strawberries and cream dessert. Here are a few of our favourite indulgent recipes:

Stir-fried veggie and chicken cabbage parcels in a creamy tomato sauce

Vegan chickpea and spinach burger with red onion chutney

Watercress and artichoke linguine

Watermelon and mint sorbet

Summer berry fridge cheesecake

Image from: sainsburysmagazine.co.uk

You could also try these super quick and easy meals:

Quinoa with sautéed baby tomatoes, sweet pepper, and red onion
Good ol’ avocado on rye with salt and pepper
Soft boiled eggs on blanched spinach
Asparagus and chive frittata
Summer berries parfait
Overnight chia seed porridge with mango and nectarine
Pawpaw filled with yoghurt and granola

Image from: eatingwell.com

For the perfect summer dining experience, browse our outdoor dining sets here.