The treasures that summer hides in its garden
We are entering the height of summer, when nature is at its most generous. In addition to the beloved strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, other fruits appear on the markets that often remain in the shadow of their popular "relatives". However, some seasonal treasures also appear that deserve our attention right now. Let's see them. Wild blueberries - miniature fruits that carry enormous power They resemble cultivated blueberries, but are significantly smaller, with a rich purple color, juicier and with a sharper, slightly sour taste. An interesting fact is that during World War II, they were used to make jam, which pilots consumed in the belief that it improved their vision at night. Our mountains abound with these very useful, small fruits, and you can easily find them in the markets.
Gooseberries - an old-fashioned fruit with a new lease of life Gooseberries are making a comeback, although they are still rarely found in large supermarkets and markets.
Years ago, they were easily spotted in village courtyards, where they were usually called "prickly grapes". There are two main types: red - sweet and ready for direct consumption, and green - far more sour, but ideal for jams and marmalades. If you come across fresh ones, don't miss experimenting with them.
Red currants - a sour accent for summer desserts A close relative of gooseberries, red currants are small and pleasantly sour, but with a delicate sweetness. They add a refreshing touch to any summer dessert.
Red beetroot - the juice that cleanses the blood Summer is undoubtedly the season for vegetables. Fresh salad greens, radishes and zucchini are now in their best form. July also sees the start of the new beet crop - look for small, firm heads that are now juicy and full of life-giving juices.