August is when many of us would usually embark on holidays abroad, seeking the sunnier climes of the Mediterranean or Caribbean. While that clearly isn't on the cards for 2020, luckily there's a vast array of local ingredients in season right here in the UK to keep us happy and well-fed. With juicy berries, flourishing greens and fresh fish to choose from, we have all we need to create amazing summer dishes.
The arrival of August does nothing to diminish the availability of early summer berries, with UK-grown strawberries, blueberries and raspberries reaching their peak. Furthermore, being closer to autumn means that August is also when we see the first blackberries and elderberries of the year.
August is also the month most synonymous with the classic British barbecue. Don’t just stick to sausages, burgers and chicken drumsticks, though; from mackerel to salmon, it is hard to find a species of fish that isn’t improved with the rich, smoky flavour of being cooked over glowing coals.
During those sometimes elusive hot summer days in the UK, it can be hard to muster the strength to cook a full meal. That’s when the light freshness of salads provides welcome relief. Luckily, August comes hand-in-hand with fresh, vibrant greens including peas, courgettes and broccoli. These simple vegetables can be enhanced with homemade vinaigrettes or dressings, local cheeses, oils and grains, to make the perfect summer salad.
We’ve compiled a collection of our favourite recipes for this month, which embody the best of summer; light, refreshing and energetic. Take a look below for some inspiration this August.