At the beginning of each month, I like to check the Eat Out SA’s “In-Season” guide to see what produce is in season for that particular month. While I have a pretty good idea of what will and won’t be in season (i.e. now is not the time to crave mangoes), it’s nice to see a list and incorporate vegetables that may not have occurred to me otherwise. Get your creative culinary juices flowing, here are July’s in-season goodies for South Africa:
- Avocados– and thank god they’re still in season… I generally mourn when December comes around…
- Beetroots– juice them, roast them, spiralize them. Delish.
- Broccoli– did you know broccoli is carrying some sneaky protein? Now you do.
- Cabbage– Cabbage rolled up with a little salsa or mustard is a great snack and very detoxifying.
- Celeriac– an example of getting the culinary juices flowing… I’ve never cooked with celeriac, but maybe July is my month.
- Celery- reduces inflammation and is great for juicing or snacking on.
- Gooseberries– yummy sweet tart snacks, full of antioxidants.
- Granadillas– I’d imagine these are great in smoothies.
- Kiwi– these are classified as superfoods and are PACKING vitamin C. Enough said.
- Leeks– an Allium veggie, this is a good one to sauté or add to winter soups.
- Mandarins– easy snacks and tasty additions to salads.
- Marrows- aka squash/zucchini, these are filling, full of fiber and make a nice side dish when sautéed with a bit of olive oil and seasoned.
- Mushrooms– Mushrooms are one of my favorite foods. I like them steamed or sautéed and can eat a punnet of them in one sitting. Delicious, versatile, low in calories and high in several B vitamins.
- Parsnips– one to add to the books, I’m keen to try this recipe.
- Peppers– antioxidants to the max and did you know they’re technically fruits?
- Sharon Fruit– aka Persimmon, I bet it could be a funky addition to a fruit salad? Maybe? I’ll have to give it a shot.
Eating seasonally is sustainable on so many levels, so if you’re South African based, incorporate these beautiful fruits and veggies into your diet this month!
xo,
Natalia
in my green boots 