There’s nothing quite like a weekend stroll through your local farm shop. The colours are brighter, the flavours are fresher, and the inspiration is endless. If you're wondering what to do with all that beautiful produce, you're in the right place.
Here are simple, delicious ideas to turn your summer haul into meals that celebrate the season, from tomatoes and zucchini to berries and fresh herbs.
🍅Heirloom Tomato Toast with Basil & Burrata
Ingredients: Heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, burrata or mozzarella
How to make it:
Layer thick slices of toasted sourdough with sliced tomatoes, a pinch of flaky salt, fresh basil, and creamy burrata. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of balsamic.
🥒Courgette Spaghetti with Pesto
Ingredients: Courgette, basil, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts
How to make it:
Use a spiraliser to make courgette spaghetti ("zoodles"). Toss with homemade pesto and cherry tomatoes for a light, low-carb summer dinner.
🍞Rustic Leek & Potato Soup with Crusty Farm Bread
Ingredients: Leeks, potatoes, garlic, cream, stock
How to make it:
Sauté leeks and garlic, add chopped potatoes and stock. Simmer until soft, then blend and swirl in cream. Serve with warm, buttered bread.
🧅Beetroot & Goat Cheese Tart
Ingredients: Fresh beetroot, soft goat cheese, red onion, puff pastry, thyme
How to make it:
Roast beetroot until tender. Spread softened goat cheese on puff pastry, top with beetroot slices, caramelised red onion, and thyme. Bake until golden.
🥣Rhubarb & Apple Chutney
Ingredients: Rhubarb, apples, onion, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger
How to make it:
Simmer all ingredients until thick and jammy. Perfect with pork, cheddar, or a farm shop cheese board.
🧈Savoy Cabbage & Bacon Stir-Fry
Ingredients: Savoy cabbage, smoked farm bacon, garlic, apple cider vinegar
How to make it:
Sauté chopped bacon until crisp, then stir-fry shredded cabbage with garlic and a splash of vinegar. A quick and hearty side.
🥚Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Farm Cheese & Chives
Ingredients: Fresh eggs, local cheese (like cheddar or Wensleydale), chives
How to make it:
Gently scramble eggs over low heat. Stir in crumbled cheese and chopped chives just before they set. Serve on thick toast or a potato cake.
🍰Carrot & Honey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients: Farm carrots, local honey, flour, eggs, cream cheese
How to make it:
Grate carrots and mix into a spiced cake batter with honey. Bake and top with tangy cream cheese frosting. Sweet, earthy, and perfect for tea time.
🛍️ Market Tips:
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Bring a basket or tote and shop early for the best selection
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Ask farmers for prep ideas, they love to share!
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Choose what’s in abundance, it’ll taste best and cost less
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Don’t be afraid to buy “ugly” produce, it’s just as delicious
Cooking with farmers market produce is about celebrating the freshness and simplicity of real food. These recipes are designed to help you enjoy every bite of the season, whether you’re an experienced cook or a first-time market-goer.
