August Bank Holiday – Roasting weather or Roast Dinners?
Date Added: 25/08/2023
The big question is will it be a warm August Bank Holiday or will it feel like Autumn has arrived early following on from this Summers weather trend of being wetter and cooler than last Summer?
Many will feel is has been a miserable wash out summer so far, however following a drier and warmer May and June this year, we were in need of some rain to water our crops and fields in Lincolnshire – although maybe not quite this much!
Despite it feeling like a poor summer compared with last year’s heatwave, the average temperature in July this year was actually only -2.5c cooler than the same period last year.
What has made a difference for those that like the sun, is that we have had 34.1 less sunshine hours from the start of January to the end of June, compared to the same period 2022. It has also been quite a bit wetter with 91.7mm more rain.
These weather combinations may have slowed the growth of some crops; however the quality is fabulous.
If the BBQ’s are able to be fired up over the bank holiday weekend, then don’t be mistaken in thinking Cauliflower, Broccoli, Leeks, PSB are for Roast Dinners only – they’re really not!
They can all be cooked on the BBQ and be served as the main dish itself or alongside BBQ meats instead of the usual salad – because let’s face it salad can become boring!
Try popping some of our super tasty Purple Sprouting Broccoli on the grill and serve with a little butter melted on top (just as you would with corn), looks great and tastes even better.
Pop a selection of our tasty fresh Brassicas in your shopping baskets and liven up your BBQs.
Not bored of Salads yet. Then why not try our Broccoli and Red Cabbage slaw with your next salad, it is colourful, incredibly tasty, simple to make and not forgetting a healthier twist on the classic salad accompaniment.
Even when the new term time starts and Summer Holidays are a distant memory, serve our slaw up alongside your favourite meals as a health-boosting side dish, pairing with many meals. Plus, it is packed full of nutrients and vitamins to keep those immune systems topped up, ready for the Cold and Flu season.
Have you ever tried barbequed Leeks? If not, then give them a go! This versatile member of the Allium family has a subtle, mild onion flavour but when chargrilled, Leeks soften and develop a smoky charred taste.
Simply brush with Olive Oil and grill for 10-15 mins, size dependant. Once softened and chargrilled, serve them straight from the grill and season well.
Accompany them with a simple salad with poached eggs and hollandaise or with grilled Lamb or Beef Steaks.
UK Broccoli is a seasonal superfood, in season from late May to November, this popular green vegetable is a great source of vital vitamins, dietary fibre, antioxidants and boasts many other health benefits plus supports a healthy gut.
Whizz up some cooked tender seasonal Broccoli with some Olive Oil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, lemon juice and chilli flakes and turn into a delicious Pesto and stir through cooked pasta for a vibrant Pasta dish which will tick all the boxes for the perfect midweek meal – tasty, healthy and take no time at all to make, plus a great way of sneaking the green ‘mini trees’ into Childrens meals.
Meteorological Autumn is just around the corner and the children will soon be going back to school however will we have an Indian Summer, or will the unsettled weather continue through into Autumn? Either way soon the leaves on the trees will start to turn, fall, and decorate where they settle.
We hope you have enjoyed our latest blog, keep your eyes peeled for the next one and have a great Bank Holiday!