Aubergine
Aubergines, or eggplants as they’re known in the US, are actually a fruit, not a vegetable, and belong to the berry family! Although used mainly with root vegetables, aubergines are subtle in taste, so lend themselves to dishes that have either sweet or savoury flavours. The best thing about the aubergine is its texture, with the glossy, purple skin on the outside, and the soft, slightly smoky white flesh. It contains a range of vitamins and minerals, although amounts are small of each, but it has been known to have antioxidants present within the skin.
To see our Baked Aubergine recipe, click here.
Asparagus
Although it’s available most months, this is the best time of year to grab asparagus in its very short UK season. Asparagus can come in different colours; in the UK and US it’s the usual green, but in European countries you find white asparagus, and even purple ones in France. Whatever the variety, asparagus is a great source of Vitamin K, which keeps your blood healthy and clot free, and folate, which supports your brain and nervous system function. This versatile vegetable can be used in many cuisines – try this Chinese dish for a simple supper idea.
To see our recipe for Stir Fried Asparagus with Prawns and Oyster Sauce, click here.
Courgette
Courgettes or zucchini: whatever you call them, this summer squash is delicious at this time of the year. They are a very good source of potassium, good for reducing blood pressure and heart rates, to counter the effects of sodium. Very low in calories, they can be used sliced, diced, fried, steamed, or even scooped out and stuffed. A new craze in the world of healthy eating is spiralized vegetables, as a replacement for wheat products. So, instead of just putting courgette in your pasta sauce, why not make your pasta from it to? Here’s a delicious recipe for Courgetti.
To see our recipe for courgetti with feta and pine nuts, click here.
Strawberries
Get your taste buds ready for Wimbledon at the end of the month. Strawberries are very high in Vitamin C which boosts your immune system and helps fight off diseases. It also produces collagen in your body, which is needed to keep your skin and bones intact. There are also great cardiovascular benefits from eating strawberries, including improvements to blood sugar circulation and decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. A classic Eton Mess is a favourite with those of all ages, but particularly popular in a more slimming version, like this one. Wow your guests by making your own meringues too.
To see our Eton Mess recipe, click here.
