July is the height of summer. The markets are bursting with colour, the fruit is sweet and the vegetables are bursting with flavour. Eating in season has never been so easy... and so tasty. Here's a closer look at the products you can find in French-speaking Switzerland this month, to fill your basket with fresh local produce.
🍑 July fruit
July is the perfect time to indulge in summer fruit, often grown just a few miles from home.
1. Apricots
The orchards of the Valais are in full bloom. Swiss apricots are fleshy, sweet and slightly tart: a real delight! Enjoy them raw, in jam or even roasted in the oven.
2. Cherries
Red, crunchy, juicy... Local cherries are ripe. They're perfect for clafoutis or simply to nibble on by hand.
3. Raspberries & Blackberries
Rich in antioxidants and unrivalled sweetness, these red berries are a must in July. Sprinkle over plain yoghurt, or freeze for longer storage.
4. Peaches & nectarines
Sweet, juicy, fragrant... they're an immediate reminder of holidays. Choose locally-grown ones: they're tastier and last longer.
5. Melons & watermelons
Although often grown a little further south, some local Swiss farms are starting to produce them. Look out for them at farmers' markets!
🥕 July's vegetables
When it comes to vegetables, July is also a very generous month. It's the period when you can have (almost) everything!
1. Tomatoes
At last, the real tomatoes are here: fragrant, multicoloured, juicy. Just don't put them in the fridge! They love the sun, even after harvesting.
2. Courgettes
Available in abundance, courgettes can be used in gratins, pan-fried, raw in carpaccio or even in cakes. And did you know that their flowers can also be eaten?
3. Cucumbers
Freshness guaranteed with crunchy cucumbers from the garden. Ideal for summer salads or flavoured waters.
4. Aubergines & peppers
The south invites itself onto your plate: ratatouille, tian, grilled vegetables... Take advantage of the local harvests of these heat-loving vegetables.
5. Carrots, beetroot, new potatoes
Root vegetables have not said their last word. In July, early harvests produce tender, flavoursome produce.
6. Green beans & peas
Tender, sweet, barely cooked or crunchy in a salad: these vegetables are synonymous with summer.
🌱 Why eat in season?
Eating in season is first and foremost a matter of taste: the produce is harvested when ripe, and you can smell it. But it's also a strong gesture for the planet. Less transport, less artificial preservation, more links with local producers.
And let's not forget one significant advantage: the price. Seasonal produce, often in abundance, is naturally more affordable.
🧺 Farm'in tip
Visit a farmers' market near you, or subscribe to a vegetable basket. It's a great way to eat a variety of seasonal produce, and discover forgotten products (like kohlrabi or chard leaves) that you wouldn't buy in the supermarket.
👉 What's your favourite fruit or vegetable for July? Do you have any recipes or tips to share?