There’s something special about shopping at your local farm shop in the summer, the shelves are full of colour, the air smells like freshly picked herbs and ripe fruit, and every basket tells a story of the season. Choosing local, seasonal produce not only supports local farmers but also brings unbeatable freshness and flavour to your meals.
So, what’s in season this summer, and how can you make the most of it in your kitchen? Let’s take a look!
🥬 What’s in Season: Summer Produce Highlights
🍓 Fruits:
-
Strawberries
-
Raspberries
-
Blackberries
-
Gooseberries
-
Cherries
-
Currants
-
Apples (early varieties)
These fruits are perfect for snacking, breakfast bowls, smoothies, and desserts. Try mixing a few for a colourful summer fruit salad or baking them into tarts and crumbles.
🥕 Vegetables:
-
New potatoes
-
Carrots
-
Beetroot
-
Tomatoes
-
Courgettes
-
Broad beans
-
Peas
-
Cucumber
-
Salad leaves
-
Spring onions
Summer veg is all about freshness and crunch. These ingredients are ideal for grilling, tossing into salads, or turning into dips and sides.
🍽️ Easy Recipe Ideas with Farm Shop Produce
🥗 Grilled Courgette & Feta Salad
A refreshing and light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients:
-
2 courgettes, sliced lengthways
-
A handful of rocket or mixed salad leaves
-
Crumbled feta
-
Olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper
-
Toasted pine nuts (optional)
Method:
-
Brush courgette slices with olive oil and grill until golden.
-
Toss with salad leaves, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of lemon juice.
-
Sprinkle with pine nuts for added crunch.
🍓 Summer Berry Crumble
Perfect for using up soft berries from the farm shop.
Ingredients:
-
Mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
-
2 tbsp sugar
-
1 tbsp flour
-
Crumble topping: 100g flour, 50g butter, 50g oats, 50g brown sugar
Method:
-
Preheat oven to 180°C.
-
Mix berries with sugar and flour, then place in a baking dish.
-
Rub together crumble topping ingredients and sprinkle over fruit.
-
Bake for 25–30 mins until golden. Serve with cream or ice cream.
🥔 New Potato & Herb Salad
A classic side for summer BBQs.
Ingredients:
-
500g new potatoes
-
2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yoghurt
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, mint)
-
Salt & pepper
Method:
-
Boil potatoes until tender, then cool slightly.
-
Mix with mayo/yoghurt, mustard, and chopped herbs.
-
Season and chill until ready to serve.
🧺 Why Shop at a Farm Shop?
-
Freshness: Produce is often harvested the same day.
-
Local: Reduce food miles and support local growers.
-
Unique Finds: Handmade jams, local cheeses, honey, eggs, flowers, and more.
-
Seasonal Inspiration: Let what’s growing guide your meals.
🌞 Final Thoughts
Visiting your local farm shop this summer isn’t just about shopping, it’s an experience. It connects you with the rhythm of the seasons, introduces you to passionate producers, and inspires you to cook fresh, flavourful meals at home. Whether it’s a punnet of berries, a crusty sourdough, or a bag of just-dug new potatoes, there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing exactly where your food comes from.
So grab a basket, head to your nearest farm shop, and let summer’s bounty lead the way. 🌿👩🌾🍓