Late Summer Abundance: August 2025 Seasonal Produce Report

August brings the full glory of late summer to London’s kitchens. This month marks a transitional period where we’re celebrating the last of summer’s bounty whilst welcoming the first hints of autumn’s approach. From the finest British soft fruits to exceptional Mediterranean produce, August offers extraordinary opportunities for seasonal menu development.

Looking for our complete seasonal guide? Check out our seasonal fruits and vegetables by month calendar for year-round planning.

Brilliantly British Produce

The Peak of Summer Fruits

This month showcases British fruit growing at its absolute finest. Annabel’s strawberries and raspberries continue to deliver exceptional quality, representing the pinnacle of what British berry cultivation can achieve. The sweetness and intensity of flavour at this time of year is simply unmatched.

Stone fruits are having a remarkable month with cherries, damsons, and plums reaching peak ripeness. We’re particularly excited about the Discovery apples – the first of the new apple crop, bringing that crisp, fresh taste that signals the approach of autumn.

Soft fruits include an impressive array: blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, and red currants. Each variety offers distinct flavour profiles perfect for everything from simple accompaniments to sophisticated dessert preparations. Cob nuts are also arriving – a true British delicacy that many chefs overlook but which offers incredible versatility.

The rhubarb from Wye Valley continues its exceptional run, providing that perfect balance of tartness and texture that defines quality British rhubarb.

Vegetables at Their Summer Best

Jersey Royal new potatoes remain a cornerstone offering, though we’re approaching the end of their season. Make the most of these while they’re still available – their unique flavour and texture won’t be back until next year.

Our bean selection is outstanding this month:

• Fine beans from Wye Valley – tender and sweet
• Broad beans – at their peak before becoming starchy
• Bobby beans and runner beans – perfect for hearty summer preparations

Summer squash and marrows are arriving in excellent condition, offering versatility for both traditional British preparations and modern interpretations. Corn in husk brings that essential summer sweetness to menus.

Artichokes and Baby Vegetables

Baby and globe artichokes from Bedlam Farms continue to impress with their quality and flavour. Our baby vegetable selection from Remfresh includes carrots, fennel, turnips, leeks, and the complete range of beetroot varieties in red, golden, and candy colours.

The beetroot selection has expanded this month with full-sized varieties in red, candy, and golden – perfect for roasting, pickling, or innovative salad preparations.

Exceptional Salads and Greens

Watercress from Chalke Valley maintains its position as one of Britain’s finest salad crops. The peppery intensity and robust texture make it indispensable for quality kitchens.

Betts continues to excel with baby kale, land cress, and whole-head lettuces including Little Gem, Lollo Blonde, Lollo Rossa, and Oakleaf varieties.

Cherry Tree Farm delivers beautiful baby leaves (red mustard frills and mizuna), edible viola flowers, courgette flowers, and fresh coriander.

The tomato selection from the Isle of Wight remains exceptional: cherry vine, golden baby plum, vine, green tiger, mixed premium heirloom, ox heart, San Marzano, and mixed cherry vine varieties. This is the time of year when British tomatoes truly compete with the best from anywhere in the world.

Sourced Directly from Milan

Our Italian partnership brings authentic Mediterranean flavours:

Italian Vegetables

• Pale round aubergines – creamy flesh perfect for traditional preparations
• Borlotti beans – essential for authentic Italian cooking
• Roman and Trombetta courgettes – traditional varieties with superior flavour
• Red, yellow, and Friggitelli peppers – intense Mediterranean character
• Leafy celery and fennel – aromatic and essential for Italian cuisine
• Fig leaves – for wrapping and flavouring

Italian Salads and Fruits

• Carosello and Barattiere cucumbers – unique Italian varieties
• Vesuvio tomatoes – authentic San Marzano region quality
• Treviso and Radicchio – the bitter leaves that define Italian salads
• Wild bunched and broad leaf rocket – more intense than cultivated varieties
• Leafy lemons from the Amalfi Coast – complete with stems and leaves
• Cantaloupe, Honeymoon, and Golden watermelon – perfectly ripe

Italian Herbs

Complete selection including lemon verbena, fennel tops, flat parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme – all essential for authentic Italian cooking.

From the Rest of Europe

Premium Stone Fruits

• Apricots, greengages, and Mirabelle plums – delicate flavours perfect for sophisticated preparations
• Nectarines and peaches in blood, yellow, white, and flat varieties
• Black figs – rich, sweet, and versatile
• Muscat grapes – intense sweetness and flavour

Melons and Exotic Varieties

• Charentais, Piel de Sapo, watermelon, and yellow watermelon – the complete range of European melon varieties

Specialty Vegetables

• Globe artichokes and Graffiti aubergines
• Coco and yellow beans
• Purple and yellow cauliflower
• Round courgettes in yellow and green
• Pink and smoked garlic varieties
• Romanesco – striking appearance and nutty flavour

European Mushrooms

• Scottish Girolles – delicate and prized
• Summer black truffles – luxury ingredient for special preparations
• Trompette and Pied mouton – distinctive flavours and textures

From Around the World

Citrus and Exotic Fruits

• Finger limes and Kaffir limes – citrus caviar and aromatic leaves
• Honey Glow pineapple and lychees – tropical sweetness for summer menus

Foraged Specialties

Pre-order from our trusted foragers:

Coastal Foraging

• Sea purslane, sea aster, and sea blite – mineral-rich coastal flavours
• Marsh samphire (on the root) – the ultimate coastal vegetable

Wild Finds

• Fennel sticks – green stems with flower/seed heads for unique presentations
• Cherry plums – wild stone fruits with intense flavour
• Scott’s Pine and Douglas Fir – for adventurous modern cuisine

Planning Your August Menus

August represents the perfect balance between summer abundance and approaching autumn richness. This is the time to showcase British produce at its absolute peak whilst incorporating the sophistication of Mediterranean ingredients.

Focus on preparations that celebrate natural flavours – the quality of produce this month means simple techniques often yield the best results. Consider:

• British soft fruit desserts that highlight natural sweetness
• Tomato-focused dishes using the exceptional British and Italian varieties
• Bean preparations that showcase the different textures and flavours available
• Coastal flavours using our foraged sea vegetables
• Stone fruit and savoury combinations using the premium European selection

The key this month is balance – using British produce as your foundation whilst incorporating Italian authenticity and European sophistication.

For more menu inspiration, explore our wholesale produce guides or discover how sustainable sourcing can elevate your menu.

Looking Ahead

As we move through August, start considering the transition to autumn flavours. The arrival of Discovery apples and cob nuts signals what’s coming, whilst we’re still enjoying the last of summer’s finest offerings.

For availability, pricing, or to discuss your specific seasonal requirements, contact our team. We’re delivering six days a week across London, ensuring you receive the freshest seasonal produce exactly when you need it.

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Browse our complete fresh produce wholesale collection or contact us directly to discuss your August menu requirements and autumn planning.