Hello again my friend!

Did you treat yourself to one of the delicious and nutritious breakfasts in last week's email? I'd love to hear what you enjoyed, so do hit reply and tell me!

I finally planted out my vegetable plants in the garden, and while it will be a few weeks before we get to eat anything home grown, it's really not a problem as the shops and markets are packed to the gills with abundant fresh and delicious local produce. June really heralds the start of summer and all the foodie delights that it brings!

Locally grown fruit and veg, at the peak of its season, is so flavourful, that it's easy to prepare absolutely sensational meals. Often a little olive oil or butter, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of salt and pepper is all that's required.

So this email is all about what delights are in season in June. Check out your local farm shops, farmers markets, and neighbourhood greengrocers to find fresh, nutrient-packed, scrumptious produce, and enjoy!

What's in season in June

This month, look out for:

• Cherries 🍒
• Berries including blueberries 🫐, gooseberries and strawberries 🍓
• Stone fruit including apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines 🍑
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Aubergines 🍆
• Beetroot
• Broad beans, runner beans and French beans
• Broccoli 🥦
• Carrots 🥕
• Courgettes 🥒
• Fennel
• Jersey Royal new potatoes (and new potatoes in general) 🥔
• Lettuce, salad leaves, watercress and rocket 🥬
• Mangetout and other peas 🫛
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Tomatoes 🍅
• Herbs such as basil, chives, coriander (cilantro), dill, oregano, mint, nasturtium, parsley, rosemary, sage, sorrel, tarragon and thyme 🌿

Bright coloured vegetables and fruits are packed with phytonutrients like polyphenols, antioxidant vitamins and anthocyanins. Enjoy a wide variety of these tasty fresh foods for maximum benefits.

Delicious recipes using June's fabulous fruit and veg

Here are some of my family's favourite ways to enjoy June's delicious produce. Simple recipes that highlight the gorgeous flavours of fresh fruit and veg are the order of the day!

• ​Moroccan style stuffed aubergines (vegan)​
  These fragrant, filling Moroccan stuffed aubergines are a hearty, healthy and delicious plant-based main seasoned with traditional North African spices.
• ​Courgette, feta and mint pashtida​
  This delicious baked dish combines fresh vegetables, cheese, and just a hint of mint to make a satisfying main dish or healthy side.
• ​Griddled summer veg - asparagus, fennel, courgette & more​
  Olive oil, a hot griddle pan, and a squeeze of lemon - a simple way to enjoy incredibly delicious Summer veggies!
• ​Carrot and tomato soup with ginger and orange​
  Made with carrots and fresh tomatoes, this smooth and delicious soup is a bright bowlful that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
• ​Strawberry cucumber spinach salad​
  Want summer in a bowl?! This vibrant salad is full of gorgeous flavours and textures, and just bursting with seasonal flavours.
• ​Grilled peach salad with pecans and feta​
  ​Savoury, sweet, tangy and just fabulous! This salad combines grilled summer peaches, toasted nuts, feta and crisp lettuce in a fresh and beautiful dish.
• ​Challah panzanella salad​
  ​Use your leftover challah with juicy, ripe tomatoes to create a vibrant and robust Italian Panzanella salad. It's a great way to use up spare bread and make something fresh and summery!
• ​Vegan gooseberry jelly with elderflower and gin
  ​A refreshing grown-up dessert featuring tart poached gooseberries in a floral and fragrant soft vegan jelly.
• ​Summer strawberry banana bread​
  Upgrade your banana bread with some fresh strawberries to create a zingy seasonal treat! Delicious as a snack or serve with ice-cream for an easy pudding.

Shabbat recipe of the week!

Last week DH brought home a chunk of a HUGE watermelon, from one of our local Middle Eastern groceries. It was ripe, juicy, sweet and delicious! I love to combine watermelon with seasonal berries to make a sensational summer fruit salad. Watermelon and berry salad with basil-mint-sugar is a wonderfully refreshing dessert on a summer Shabbat, that's super quick and easy to make! You can prepare it up to about 24 hours in advance, but don't add the flavoured sugar until you're ready to serve (or offer it separately to sprinkle).

Shabbat Shalom

Cooler weather this weekend, which is perfect for a long and relaxing walk in nature. I'm looking forward to getting out and enjoying some fresh air, admiring the views, and hopefully not getting rained on!

Whatever you're doing, I hope you have a great weekend, and a lovely week ahead! Here's wishing you Shabbat Shalom - a Good Shabbos - that brings relaxation, peace, happiness, joy, health and blessings to us all.

With love, Helen x.

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