Tomatoes from the Isle of Wight have been soaking up the sun and are nothing short of phenomenal at the moment; the large vine tomatoes are rich and juicy and the cherry tomatoes super sweet, even more so if you roast them.
And of course they make the ultimate companion to fresh basil, which we also happen to have in abundance! We find simple salads with basil, tomato, olive oil and some balsamic vinegar can give the most pleasure, especially with a chunk of fresh bread to mop up the juices.
As the heatwave continues it is creating more casualties however: fresh mint and oregano are suffering too much under the sun in Lincolnshire, so expect a gap. Cauliflowers are growing too slowly, but broccoli is back on the shelves from Thursday courtesy of Pollybell Farm in Yorkhire.
Another consequence of the sustained heat is increased wildlife in the form of veggie loving pests. The Wasses’ crop in particular have been affected
The UK beetroot season has got off its feet with bunched beetroot with tops on in all the colours: Golden, Chioggia (red & white stripes) and red. Also loose beetroot from Carey in Herefordshire. You can absolutely eat the tops the same you would cook chard.
Finally, watch out for Yorkshire grown peas and Okra from France – a rare treat!
