The firstNationalBerryMonth launches in July, designed to celebrate the seasonality of British soft fruits.
The event, organised byBritish Summer Fruits and the Love Fresh Berries campaign, takes place throughout July and aims to showcase theversatilityof berriesandtheirimportancetoboostingBritain’sphysical, mental, and economic health.
Berries continue to be one of the industry's big success stories, with the category now worth over £1.7 billion and Brits buying no less than 239,243tonnes ofberries in the past year.
The month will feature a series of recipes, berry tips and health benefits, including four berry-ledrecipes from award-winningchef Jackson Boxer. Each recipe is described as being 'packed with explosive natural flavours that show the versatility of each British berry and [are] available for budding at-home chefs to try'.
In anticipation of National BBQWeek from 2-11July, four easy-to-make recipeshavealsobeen developed to fit well with an outdoor grill, including Strawberry Cider Can Chicken, Spiced Raspberry Brisket, Fruity Tofu Skewers, andBlueberry Jalapeno Tuna Steaks.
The month will endwith Love Fresh Berriespartnering withoutdoor cinema outfit Cinestockto providefresh berries - dubbed 'nature’spick’n’mix' - at selectedscreeningsthroughout the summer. Love Fresh Berries will also be sharing berry-inspiredtwists on classic cinema snacksfor berry lovers to try at home, with tips on how to create the perfect backyard cinema set up.
Nick Marston, chairman of British Summer Fruits, said:“The British berry industry isan essential economic pillar in Britain and isnow worth £1.71bn, with expenditureincreasingalmost10 per cent in the 12 monthsfromMarch last year.Not only is the industry boosting the health of our economy - but crucially the health of the nation.Berries are a brilliant provider of vitamin Cand have important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profiles.NationalBerryMonth is the perfect time to celebrateBritish berriesand reap their many benefits withdelicious new recipesand summer events.”
Jackson Boxer, chef patron of Brunswick House Café, Vauxhall andOrasay, Notting Hill, added: 'I’m proud to be partnering with Love Fresh Berries this July to celebrate British berries as part of National Berry Month. British produce and seasonality have always played a key role throughout my cooking, so I’ve really enjoyed creating a host of new recipes. British berries are fun, versatile, fresh and packed with flavour and each year I can’t wait to get my hands on them.
“By buying British berries you’re supporting berry growers across the country whilealso looking after your health and the environment too. It’s been brilliant using them to create some exciting new recipes which I hope will inspire people at home to give them a try to celebrate National Berry Month”.
