Discover the best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines for booze-free drinks options that are sophisticated and full of flavour, ideal for entertaining or special occasions
Drinking less and non-alcoholic options are on the rise, so we've delved into the world of booze-free wine to see what's worth trying. A word of warning: these wines are sweet, much sweeter than conventional wines. A normal off-dry white will have around 4-7 grams of residual sugar per litre, and many of these have the same amount per 100ml – not a great option if you’re trying to lose weight. They're too sweet to cook with, too. Low or alcohol-free wines are made by creating a normal wine, removing the alcohol by using a spinning cone, and sweetening the resulting liquid with sugar or grape juice to give it some body. Many have a small amount of added flavouring in them, too. This was definitely the least satisfying category. The two that worked best were the prosecco and German riesling, perhaps because both are based on originals that are sweet and low-alcohol. All the bottles below have been taste tested by wine writer Henry Jeffreys and food and drinks writer Miriam Nice. For more non-alcoholic advice, check out our review of the best non-alcoholic spirits or the best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines. Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines at a glance Best non-alcoholic wine for prosecco lovers: Mille Bolle Alcohol Free Sparkling, £5.99 Best non-alcoholic wine for cava lovers: ¡H! Barcelona Hola Alcohol Free Sparkling, £4.99 Best eye-catching non-alcoholic wine: Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free, £8.99 Best non-alcoholic sweet wine: De Bortoli The Very Cautious One gewurtz riesling, £5.50 Best full-bodied non-alcoholic red: De Bortoli The Very Cautious One shiraz, £5.50 Best non-alcoholic vegan red wine: Eisberg cabernet sauvignon, £19.50 (case of 6) Best non-alcoholic sauvignon blanc: Eisberg sauvignon blanc, £21 (case of 6) Best alcohol-free merlot: Eisberg alcohol-free merlot, £19.50 (case of 6) Best for making alcohol-free mulled wine: M&S alcohol-free merlot, £4 Best non-alcoholic German wine: Leitz Eins Zwei Zero riesling, £9.95 Best non-alcoholic wine for a spritzer: Torres Natureo muscat, £9.41 Best non-alcoholic rosé wine: Torres Natureo rosé, £6.20 Jump to: Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines to buy in 2025 How we tested non-alcoholic wine How is non-alcoholic wine made? Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines to buy in 2025 Mille Bolle Alcohol Free Sparkling Available from Laithwaites (£5.99) Best non-alcoholic wine for prosecco lovers Rating: 4.5/5 ABV: 0% Raised in the heart of prosecco country, Roberto Vanin founded Bolle with the intention of producing the finest zero-alcohol wine. Crafted with Chardonnay and Glera grapes, the wine is gently de-alcoholised using modern, environmentally friendly techniques, which aim to preserve more of the wine’s natural characteristics. Yeast and grape juice are added for a secondary fermentation which gives the alcohol-free wine more depth and rounded flavour with fruity notes of green apple, honeydew and peach, and its fine bubbles. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£5.99) ¡H! Barcelona Hola Alcohol Free Sparkling Available from Laithwaites (£4.99) Best non-alcoholic wine for cava lovers Rating: 4/5 ABV: 0% This wine is produced by Belgian entrepreneurs Christopher Heirwegh and Christel Weemaes, who moved to Barcelona with a dream of producing the world’s best cava. Just like cava, this non-alcoholic brut wine is produced with the region's local grapes, Macabeo, Parallado and Xarel-lo, then fermented and carbonated. It’s certainly reminiscent of cava, although with more sweetness and tropical fruit character alongside the vibrant bubbles, bright green apple and lime notes. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£4.99) Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free Available from Laithwaites (£8.99) Best eye-catching non-alcoholic wine Rating: 3.5/5 0.5% A non-alcoholic take on their hugely popular Secco wine, Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free comes from Germany’s historic Reichstrat Von Buhl winery, which was founded in 1849. The estate is known for having some of the most well located vineyards in the Pfalz region, more than 40% of which are classified as grand cru, as well as crafting innovative new wines such as this alcohol-free option. Bold fruit notes of grapefruit, lime, green apple, pear and apricot are joined by floral undertones and a mineral finish, all presented in an eye-catching ceramic bottle. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£8.99) De Bortoli The Very Cautious One gewurtz riesling Available from Ocado (£5.50) Best non-alcoholic sweet wine ABV: 0.0% Rating: 5/5 Part of the De Bortoli Wines portfolio based in Australia, this wine has heady aromas of lychee and beeswax. It's unsurprisingly sweet with lots of rose petals, peaches and overripe nectarines on the palate. You might detect a touch of minerality at the end which adds interest and stops it tasting too sickly and soapy. We advise serving well chilled. MN Available from: Ocado (£5.50) De Bortoli The Very Cautious One shiraz Available from Ocado (£5.50) Best full-bodied non-alcoholic red ABV: 0.0% Rating: 5/5 This pours as a dark ruby red. It is nuanced and complex with floral notes of rose, honeysuckle and sweet pea blooms on the nose, which then move into dark fruits, raspberries and blueberries on the palate, leaving you with red apple skin tannins and tobacco. It's another great Australian entry to the list. MN Available from: Ocado (£5.50) Eisberg cabernet sauvignon Available from Morrisons (£3.25), Amazon (£3.50) Best non-alcoholic vegan red wine ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4.5/5 Aromas of cooked cherries and jammy strawberries appear along with a touch of green peppers, juicy blackcurrants and blackberry. There is a touch of acidity on the palate but this gives way to a smooth, rounded mouthfeel, lots more fresh cherry flavour and a touch of tannic astringency providing a moreish finish. Serve at room temperature, but, as with all these wines, keep chilled the rest of the time once opened. They don’t keep more than a day or two without the preservative qualities of alcohol. MN Available from: Morrisons (£3.25) Amazon (£3.50) Eisberg sauvignon blanc Latest Deals Best non-alcoholic sauvignon blanc ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4/5 This has delightfully tempting fresh floral aromas of elderflower with hints of green apple. The flavour is supported by lots of juicy ripe pear, peach and more elderflower with a touch of melon. We suggest serving this very well chilled or in a spritz to keep the sweetness in balance – as a helpful reminder to serve this cool, 'eisberg' is the German word for iceberg. MN Latest Deals Eisberg alcohol-free merlot Available from Ocado (£3.50) Best alcohol-free merlot ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4/5 Raspberries, blackberries and a hint of a woody aroma appear here along with a dash of clove and vanilla. On tasting you’ll find rich, juicy black cherry skins and soft blackberries. As the flavour develops on your palate, the dry and tannic qualities appear before leaving you with a lingering gentle return of cloves and a touch of cocoa. MN Available from: Ocado (£3.50) M&S alcohol-free merlot Available from Ocado (£4) Best for making alcohol free mulled wine ABV: 0.05% Rating: 4/5 On the nose you’ll find black cherries and stewed plums. The tastes evokes a light mulled wine there’s a lot of warming festive spices, baked orange and more slow cooked stone fruits. The tannins and the dry finish keeps the sweetness in check for what is an accessible and easy drinking merlot. MN Available from: Ocado (£4) Leitz Eins Zwei Zero riesling Available from Amazon (£9.95) Best non-alcoholic German wine ABV: 0.0% This wine has some earthy notes on the nose to begin with, but on the palate it tastes like a German riesling with peachy fruit, blending sweetness and acidity. This actually made me want another glass. MN Available from: Amazon (£9.95) Torres Natureo muscat Available from DryDrinker (£9.41) Best non-alcoholic wine for a spritzer ABV: 0.0% The Natureo range from Torres, one of Spain’s biggest producers, is probably the best widely available low-alcohol wine. This muscat is unashamedly sweet with notes of honey and flowers. It tasted best in a spritzer with ice and sparkling water. MN Available from: DryDrinker (£9.41) Torres Natureo rosé Available from Ocado (£6.20) Best non-alcoholic rosé wine ABV: 0.0% This rosé from Torres is also pretty good. Again, there's no doubt that it's sweet (2.6g sugar per 100ml) but the sweetness suits it and the finish isn't at all cloying. If you like Mateus rosé (for those under 40, ask your parents), you’ll enjoy this. MN Available from: Ocado (£6.20) How we tested non-alcoholic wine All wines were stored and served at the temperatures suggested by the producer. Each one was tasted in the same style of glass for the first taste, and then in a wine glass best suited to the grape variety. We were looking for bottles that accurately evoked the characteristics of the wines they were emulating, but more importantly, seeking flavour and complexity that would please both drinkers and non-drinkers alike. How is non-alcoholic wine made? Non-alcoholic wine can be made in a few different ways. A common method is vacuum distillation. This lowers air pressure in order to be able to reduce boiling temperature, before wine is boiled. This means alcohol is boiled off the liquid at a much lower temperature, which is far less destructive to the delicate flavours and aromas of the wine. Other methods of making non-alcoholic wine include using mechanical filtration or a process called a ‘spinning cone’ which separates the wine in order to isolate and remove the alcohol. Non-alcoholic drinks inspiration Best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines Non-alcoholic drinks recipes Mocktail recipes Top 10 non-alcoholic drinks ideas Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks ideas If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. We’d love to hear about your favourite non-alcoholic wine. Share your suggestions in the comments below.
The best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks taste tested 2025
Drinks experts Richard Davie and Miriam Nice recommend their top picks for low-alcohol and alcohol-free beverages, including lagers, stouts, spirits, wines and kombuchas.
Where a decade ago low-alcohol drinks were often little more than a punchline, every year this category gets more exciting, as new entrants to the field bring out interesting innovations and the standard of the offering goes up across the board. At the same time, we're thinking more about drinking less, and perhaps being more open to the idea that a drink can be special even if it isn't alcoholic. Newer low-alcohol beers and spirit substitutes are finding clever ways to communicate the intensity, complexity or satiety you'd associate with a cold lager or gin and tonic. Alcohol-free spirits first came onto people's radar in 2014 with Seedlip, who proudly stood up for a non-alcoholic gin-style product that cost £35 and required a trek to Selfridges. In the wake of the attention this drew, it and similar offerings are nowadays available in supermarkets up and down the country at rather less luxurious prices. In addition to gin, producers have reimagined alcohol-free equivalents to vermouth, amaro, amaretto and coffee liqueur, and the list continues to grow. Non-alcoholic beer has improved greatly in the last few years, with both higher visibility and greater quality, so we’ve highlighted a few more of our favourites in that category. What is alcohol-free? Some of the entries below are labelled ‘low-alcohol’ at 0.5%, rather than ‘alcohol free’. In the UK, anything under half a percent alcohol is no longer restricted under licensing laws. At no more than 0.5%, it is unable to render you drunk and some breads and ripe fruit contain as much or more alcohol. How we tested We tried a wide range of no and low-alcohol beverages, including aperitifs, pre-mixed mocktails and alternatives to beer, gin, and rum. In terms of serving, we followed any suggestion from the drinks brands themselves, as well as sampling the drinks neat 'on the rocks' or mixed with tonics, sodas, juices and non-alcoholic sparkling wine, amongst others. Our testing criteria focused on the sweetness, acidity, aroma, taste, mouthfeel and lasting finish, as well as judging the degree to which each drink matched its non-alcoholic counterpart, if applicable. Richard Davie is a brewer, writer and consultant with roots in home-brewing. When he's not making his own beer and cocktails, he works at award-winning micro pub The Beer Shop @richarddaviebrews Miriam Nice is a published author and illustrator. She has written more than 350 recipes for BBC Good Food @miriamjsnice Richard and Miriam’s book, The Art of Drinking Sober (£12.99, Orion), is out now. Looking for more alcohol-free inspiration? Read our reviews on everything from sparkling wine alternatives and non-alcoholic spirits to kombucha: Best non-alcoholic spirits Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers Best kombucha to buy Best no-alcohol and low-alcohol wines Best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines Also visit our alcohol-free drinks hub for plenty more round-ups, guides and mocktail recipes. Best low and alcohol-free beer Lucky Saint Available from Sainsbury’s (£2.40), Lucky Saint (from £22 for 12-pack) Best low alcohol lager A UK company, but brewed in Bavaria, this is redolent of the Helles style, all soft malt and gentle bitterness for a crisp, easy satisfying lager. A limited draught presence in pubs, too. Available from: Sainsbury’s (£2.40) Lucky Saint (from £22 for 12-pack) Ghostship, Adnams Available from Adnams (£24.99/12 x 500ml) Best alcohol free pale ale Adnam's flagship pale ale, but without the alcohol. Retains much of the mouthfeel, keeps that pleasing citrus hop note and goes down a treat. Available from: Adnams (£24.99/12 x 500ml) Harvey’s Old Ale (low alcohol) Available from Harvey's (£33/12 x 500ml) Best low alcohol ale The autumnal classic, but de-alcoholised. Rich fruit cake and a touch of chocolate, sweetness without becoming unbalanced and a lighter carbonation make for a solid option for cask ale fans. Available from: Harvey's (£33/12 x 500ml) Lervig 'No Worries' IPA Available from The Alcohol Free Co (from £2.49) Best non-alcoholic IPA Very much made in the image of the current vogue for hazy IPAs, this has a full body, opaque glow, negligible bitterness and oodles of fruity aromas. Available from: The Alcohol Free Co (from £2.49) Galactic milk stout alcohol-free, Big Drop Brewing Co. Available from DryDrinker (£15.33/6 x 350ml), Ocado (£1.80) Best stout Milk stouts are more visible than they have been in decades, and that lactose works perfectly here, adding body and sweetness to counter the rich roasty notes of a satisfying stout. Available from: DryDrinker (£15.33/6 x 350ml), Ocado (£1.80) Read our full review of the best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers for more. Alcohol free spirit alternatives Tanqueray 0% Available from Amazon (£15.99), Tesco (£17) Best classic alcohol-free gin Blended with the four same signature botanicals as its classic London Dry Gin, we felt that Tanqueray's 0% was the most convincing non-alcoholic gin alternative of everything we tried. Initially, the palate is hit by an invigorating burst of citrus and juniper, which gives way to more mellow notes of liquorice and herbs. Mixing with a plain tonic brings out the full flavour profile but this versatile spirit would also be suited to a range of gin cocktails. Available from: Amazon (£15.99) Tesco (£17) Orange Cinchona, Drinks Kitchen Available from Drinks Kitchen (£28) Drinks Kitchen’s range of award-winning non-alcoholic aperitif’s are made using botanical distillates and extracts. Orange Cinchona also known as The Bitter One, is the perfect alternative to a negroni, as its name suggests it has that bitter punch but it’s also full of flavour. For those who steer clear of bitter flavours there are lots more exciting drinks in the range too. Available from: Drinks Kitchen (£28) Sea buckthorn, Bax Botanics Available from Bax Botanics (£18.99) Best luxury alcohol-free gin This has a really complex flavour profile, rich in ginger, rosemary and chamomile notes, softened by the sea buckthorn. Pairs brilliantly with tonic. Available from: Bax Botanics (£18.99) Smidgin gin, Adnams Available from Digi Distiller (£26.99), Adnams (£26.99) Best low-alcohol gin Southwold distillery Adnams’ new concept is a high-strength gin intended to create a low-alcohol serve without compromising on flavour. Don’t be fooled by the 50% alcohol volume – despite being stronger than most gins, Smidgin is specially crafted to be served in small 2.5ml measures with tonic water, yielding a full-bodied G&T with just a fraction of the alcohol. The 200ml bottle even comes with a copper spoon to allow precise measurement of each serving. We found each sip delivered a complex balance of botanicals, from fresh juniper to warming cardamom and floral hibiscus, culminating in a crisp, dry finish. Available from: Digi Distiller (£26.99) Adnams (£26.99) Caleño Dark & Spicy Available from Master of Malt (£18.99), Amazon (£18 per bottle) Best rum alternative Fans of spiced rum will love Columbian-inspired Caleño’s non-alcoholic tropical spirit. Rich and tangy aromas of pineapple and coconut are complemented by warming cardamom and ginger spice. This spirit could suit a variety of cocktails but we found it mixed especially well with fruit juices, ginger beer and cola. Available from: Master of Malt (£18.99) Amazon (£18 per bottle) Amaretti, Lyres Available from DryDrinker (£27.67) Best liqueur This innovative brand has done a great job of recreating amaretto without booze. Sweet, almondy, rich and special. Well chilled, this would be a lovely way to end a meal or to swap into cocktails. Available from: DryDrinker (£27.67) Clean Co Clean T Available from Amazon (£17), Ocado (£17) Best tequila alternative Clean Co has has produced a range of impressive alcohol-free alternatives, including this version of blanco tequila (or silver tequila). Although it doesn't have the signature burn of this clear spirit, it does recreate the fresh agave scent which pairs beautifully with lime juice and a pinch of salt in a margarita mocktail. Available from: Amazon (£17) Ocado (£17) Seedlip Garden 108 Available from Amazon (£21.95), Master of Malt (£21.95) Best herbal non-alcoholic spirit A leading pioneer of zero-alcohol beverages, Seedlip's mastery of flavours is evident in all three of its current drinks offerings. Our favourite is Garden 108, a fragrant blend of soothing herbs with cucumber, fresh pea and, perhaps a little more unusually, dry notes of hay. As well as mixing with tonic, we recommend pairing this herbaceous spirit with fruity kombucha or using in a gimlet mocktail with lime cordial. Available from: Amazon (£21.95) Master of Malt (£21.95) Read our full review of the best non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs for more. Non-alcoholic cocktails and soft alternatives Mocktails Mockscow Mule Available from Amazon (£29/12-pack) The aptly named brand Mocktails makes a select variety of non-alcoholic cocktails. We appreciated the pun-based names from a 'Sansgria' to a 'Mockapolitan'. Our pick of the selection was the Mockscow Mule, a twist on the usually vodka-based Moscow mule. This sweet, lemony ginger beer was immensely refreshing and easily drinkable. The cans are nitro charged, which gives a big fizz when you open the can, but the drinks are not that fizzy themselves. If drinking at home, you could even add a splash of sparkling water for a boost that would also balance some of the sweetness. Available from: Amazon (£29/12-pack) Goodrays blood orange & grapefruit natural CBD drink Available from Goodrays.com (£24.99/ 12 x 250ml), Waitrose (£7.50/4 x 250ml mixed pack) The CBD drinks market is on the rise and one of the premium offerings is Goodrays. With four refreshing botanical flavours to choose from, each can of Goodrays contains 30mg of safety-tested Colorado-grown CBD and a daily dose of Vitamin D, making it one of the best on the market. It’s also vegan, has no artificial ingredients, no added sugar and is alcohol-free. Our flavour of choice is the blood orange and grapefruit, a winning combination of sweet citrus and sharp bitter notes. If you fancy they’re also a great for making mocktails or adding to your favourite alcohol-free gin. Available from: Goodrays.com (£24.99/ 12 x 250ml) Waitrose (£7.50/4 x 250ml mixed pack) Punchy blood orange, bitters and cardamom Available from Ocado (£1.50) If you’re a fan of campari or aperol, this is a great substitute and an excellent grown-up drink in its own right. Wonderful balance of blood orange, bitterness and natural-tasting sweetness. Available from: Ocado (£1.50) Highball alcohol-free cocktails Available from Highball (£11.50/6 x 250ml), Amazon (£34.99/12 x 250ml) Looking for a party drink without the booze? Highball's range of pre-mixed cocktails come in six classic flavours: Classic G&T, Pink G&T, Cosmopolitan, Italian Spritz, Mojito and Ginger Dram. We thought that all the drinks offered a sophisticated alternative and particularly enjoyed the tangy raspberry and juniper notes of the Pint G&T as well as the refreshing burst of citrus bitters in the Italian Spritz. An added bonus; Highball cocktails contain less than half the calories of standard cocktails and are free from artificial ingredients, sweeteners and preservatives. They are also gluten-free and suitable for vegan diets. Available from: Highball (£11.50/6 x 250ml) Amazon (£34.99/12 x 250ml) Non-alcoholic wine alternatives Jukes 6, Jukes Cordialities Available from Jukes Cordialities (£43/9 x 30ml) Not only is this a great substitute for red wine, it’s really neatly packaged too. In mini bottles that can be diluted to taste, it’s highly portable too. Available from: Jukes Cordialities (£43/9 x 30ml) Thomson & Scott 'Noughty' Available from Waitrose Cellar (£10), Drink Supermarket (£9.95) Having earned its place as one of the world leading alcohol-free alternatives to champagne and sparkling wine, Noughty sets the bar high. Two varieties are currently available, boasting a range of credentials: vegan, organic, low in sugar and halal-friendly. The lightly carbonated chardonnay offers clean, crisp notes of apple, while our favourite, the rosé is a delicate blend of fresh summer berries. At only 14 calories per glass, it is also the lightest wine we tried, yet this does not detract from the flavour. Produced using traditional winemaking methods along with vacuum distillation, both drinks achieve a sophisticated balance of sweetness and acidity which is invigorating on the palate. Available from: Waitrose Cellar (£9.50) Drink Supermarket (£9.95) Oddbird Sparkling Rosé Available from Amazon (£10.67) A finely crafted blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, we found Oddbird's rosé to be refreshingly crisp, with tangy undertones of apple and tart summer berries. Described by the brand as being 'liberated from alcohol', this wine is carefully produced using traditional methods, resulting in a drink which certainly dispels the notion that booze is an integral part of any celebratory occasion. Dry on the palate yet very drinkable, this is equally suitable for pairing with food or enjoying alone as an aperitif. Available from: Amazon (£10.67) Italian alcohol-free sparkling, La Gioiosa Available from Ocado (£6.75) This light and sweet sparkling wine alternative has hints of apple, white grape and elderflower. Great substitute for prosecco and good-value too. Available from: Ocado (£6.75) For more like this, read our reviews of the best no-alcohol and low-alcohol wines plus the best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines. Non-alcoholic drinks inspiration Our best non-alcoholic drinks recipes Mocktail recipes Top 10 non-alcoholic drinks ideas Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks ideas This review was last updated in November 2025. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. We’d love to hear about your favourite non-alcoholic buys. Share your suggestions in the comments below...
Combine vodka with peach schnapps and cranberry juice to make a classic sex on the beach cocktail. Garnish with maraschino cherries and orange slices
This recipe was originally tested using metric measurements and has since been converted to cups.
Master the art of making a classic tequila sunrise with grenadine, tequila, triple sec, orange juice and, of course, a maraschino cherry and umbrella as garnish
Become an expert mixologist in your own home with our favourite cocktail books, plus books on wine, beer and more.
Fancy becoming a top mixologist or bartender in your own home? Looking to branch out from a classic G&T? Get inspired, learn new skills and try unique new cocktails with our selection of the best cocktail, wine and beer books to add to your cookbook collection. From recipes inspired by The Savoy dating back to 1930, to books packed with simple three-ingredient cocktails to get you started, there's something for everyone. If wine or beer are more your drink of choice, there are books for those, too. Check out our cookbooks hub for book reviews on everything from baking to vegetarian cooking. Once you've got plenty of recipes to start practicing, make sure you're fully equipped to create top-quality drinks at home. It's time to pick your perfect tipple: we've reviewed the best white rum or dark rum, vodka and whiskies. If gin is your drink of choice, choose between citrus, pink or classic gins – or even have a go at making your own homemade gin. Best cocktail and wine books at a glance Best cocktail bible: The Madrusan Cocktail Companion by Michael and Zara Madrusan, £25.85 Best for tequila fans: Tequila by Millie Milliken, £16.36 Best cocktail read: The Cocktail Diaries by Sam Heughan, £14.79 Best easy-use cocktail book: The Spirits by Richard Godwin, £13.59 Best for forgotten gems: The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, £10.83 Best for home distilling: Booze (River Cottage Handbook No12) by John Wright, £14.19 Best for gin lovers: The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart, £9.76 Best for novice cocktail makers: The 12 Bottle Bar by David Solmonson & Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, £12.99 Best for aperitif fans: Aperitif: A Spirited Guide to the Drinks, History and Culture of the Aperitif by Kate Hawkings, £3.69 Best for wine fans: Red & White: An unquenchable thirst for wine by Oz Clarke, £10.54 Best for easy gin cocktails: Sip: 100 gin cocktails with only 3 ingredients, £12.65 Best for beer fans: Brew by James Morton, £3.99 Best for alcohol-free drinking: How to Drink Without Drinking by Fiona Beckett, £15.99 Best cocktail and wine books to buy 2025 The Madrusan Cocktail Companion by Michael and Zara Madrusan Available from Amazon (£25.85), Waterstones (£35) Best cocktail bible You'll never need another cocktail book once you've got this in your hands. With over 500 pages, it's the ultimate comprehensive guide to every style of cocktail you can think of, including guidance on tools, ice and mixing skills. Recipes are divided into 'branches' that cover each style, from martinis and manhattans to fizzes and flips. Expect the classic method, then plenty of spins and variations using different spirits. A coffee table book to dip into each time you're craving a cocktail. Available from: Amazon (£25.85) Waterstones (£35) Tequila by Millie Milliken Available from Amazon (£16.36), Waterstones (£20) Best for tequila fans If you enjoy sipping a tequila neat or often opt for a tequila-based cocktail, then this is the book for you. It's a comprehensive deep-dive into what makes this unique spirit so special: explaining the different styles, the history, how it's made and the tasting notes and flavours to look out for. Fun illustrations throughout make it an entertaining read. Once you're fully immersed in the world of tequila, the final section includes classic cocktail recipes, from a perfect paloma to a margarita. It will give you a new appreciation for this complex spirit. Available from: Amazon (£16.36) Waterstones (£20) The Cocktail Diaries by Sam Heughan Available from Amazon (£14.79), Waterstones (£16.99) Best cocktail read Did you know that actor Sam Heughan has a love of cocktails? Best-known for starring in Outlander, travelling around the world for his work meant he experienced different drinks and local specialities. This book kicks off with his favourite and signature drinks, before journeying through the classics, featuring a selection of cocktails from top bartenders around the world. It's a stylishly produced book that makes a great gift. Available from: Amazon (£14.79) Waterstones (£16.99) The Spirits by Richard Godwin Available from Amazon (£13.59), Waterstones (£16.99) Best easy-use cocktail book This is packed with enough information, history and advice to give you a good understanding of the cocktail, but at its core it’s an easy to use recipe book full of all the classics you’d expect (negroni, espresso martini, margaritas) updated for the modern home bar. Richard has also written new recipes, plus stacks of advice on how to start creating your own liveners. This will quickly become a well-used, dog-eared, booze-stained staple of your cocktail cabinet. Available from: Amazon (£13.52) Waterstones (£16.99) The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock Available from Amazon (£10.83), Waterstones (£20.77) Best for forgotten gems A fantastic place to start if you want to begin at the beginning. Specifically, 1930 – when the golden age of cocktails had yet to fade. You may find the odd ingredient here and there that you can no longer find, but the 287 pages of this book are absolutely teeming with recipes (over 700), so you will still have plenty to choose from. It’s fascinating to see which cocktails have stood the test of time, such as the martini, moscow mule or bloody mary – alongside a few forgotten treasures. Available from: Amazon (£10.83) Waterstones (£20.77) Booze (River Cottage Handbook No12) by John Wright Available from Amazon (£14.19), Waterstones (16.99) Best for home distilling Where do you go once you’ve mastered cocktails at home? Start making your own booze to use in them, of course. This book is a wonderful place to start if you’d like to have a go at making your own beer, wine, cider and fruit liqueurs. Imagine: it's summertime and you're serving up a couple of cosmopolitans with your own orange liqueur, or a round of french 75s made with homemade elderflower champagne – the Good Life dream! Available from: Amazon (£14.19) Waterstones (16.99) The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart Available from Amazon (£9.76), Waterstones (£22) Best for gin lovers Ever looked at a list of gin botanicals and not known what they all are? This book will educate, inform and entertain, plus give you heaps of knowledge to impress your guests at your next drinks party. It couldn't be more fully loaded, with layers of information on drinks and their ingredients. Land on the page for a sloe gin fizz, for example, and simply glance either side of the recipe to discover how to grow your own sloes, the Latin plant name and why we make sloe gin in the first place. Available from: Amazon (£9.76) Waterstones (£22) Latest Prices The 12 Bottle Bar by David Solmonson & Lesley Jacobs Solmonson Available from Amazon (£12.99), Waterstones (£14.99) Best for novice cocktail makers For serious cocktail fans really wanting to be able to make all kinds of drinks at home at the drop of a hat, this book is for you. It guides you through the purchase of 12 bottles to stock your booze shelves or trolley, then provides over 200 recipes using those spirits. Don’t worry – you don’t have to buy all 12 at once! The book will help you build up from a one-bottle bar shaped by your personal preference – you might even be surprised by just how many cocktails you can make from one spirit. Peppered with facts, tips and buying advice, this is a wonderful reference book for your home bar. Available from: Amazon (£12.99) Waterstones (£14.99) Latest Prices Aperitif: A Spirited Guide to the Drinks, History and Culture of the Aperitif by Kate Hawkings Available from Amazon (£3.69), Waterstones (£16.99) Best for aperitif fans The ideal gift for booze aficionados, this book will teach you how to infuse your own spirits and mix the perfect negroni. Kate starts with a witty, engaging take on the history of aperitifs (it makes great bedtime reading), then offers 33 recipes with advice on serving, from a classic martini to rose petal vodka. Available from: Amazon (£3.69) Waterstones (£16.99) Latest Prices Red & White: An unquenchable thirst for wine by Oz Clarke Available from Amazon (£10.54), Waterstones (£25) Best for wine fans Wise, funny, experienced and an inveterate storyteller, Oz Clarke is one of the wine greats. Part memoir, part distillation of all you need to know about fermented grape juice, this is good enough to read in bed. Buy it for everyone you know. Available from: Amazon (£10.54) Waterstones (£25) Latest Prices Sip: 100 gin cocktails with only 3 ingredients Available from Amazon (£12.65), Waterstones (£15.99) Best for easy gin cocktails Gin experts Sipsmith will expand your cocktail repertoire with this handy book. It does as the title says (with only a tiny bit of cheating), so you can learn to make french 75s, gimlets, negronis and many more. Available from: Amazon (£12.65) Waterstones (£15.99) Latest Prices Brew by James Morton Available from Amazon (£12.98) Best for beer fans Walking you through every single step of the process, James writes with knowledge, wit and passion, drawing on everything from traditional brewing methods to shop-bought kits and tips on the latest brewing software. Pictures are used to clearly highlight any detail that could be ambiguous in the wording – great for a beginner brewer. We’re off to order some hops and malt. Available from: Amazon (£13.49) How to Drink Without Drinking by Fiona Beckett Available from Amazon (£8.50), Waterstones (£15.99) Best for alcohol-free drinking This book will persuade anyone to go dry for January, and perhaps even beyond! It’s full of non-alcoholic drinks, plus recipes (we love the rhubarb cordial) and a review of 0.5% and below beers. There are also drinks to suit red and white wine drinkers. Available from: Amazon (£8.50) Waterstones (£15.99) Latest Prices Related reviews The best baking books The best vegetarian cookbooks Best student cookbooks Best vegan cookbooks Best cookbooks for kids Best cookbooks for beginners
Read our tips and ideas for cooking with all varieties of cabbage. We have details on cooking methods such as sautéing, frying, braising and more
Cabbage is available in many different varieties, and is in fact part of a bigger family known as brassicas that extends to cauliflower and kale. Easily available varieties are red, savoy, spring and white. Cook with confidence Download the Good Food app to get full access to exclusive videos, plus handy tools like cook mode, timers and stay awake settings. Get 3 months for 99p What are the main types of cabbage? Red cabbage has firm, tightly packed and shiny purple leaves White cabbage has a similar texture to red cabbage but has very pale leaves and a sweeter flavour Savoy cabbage has leaves which are crinkled and wavy, and get lighter towards the middle Spring cabbage has softer leaves that form more of a point instead of a round shape Hispi cabbage (aka sweetheart cabbage) is a sweeter and more tender green cabbage, with a pointed shape What's the best way to serve cabbage? All are extremely versatile: they can be served raw in salads such as coleslaws but can also be quick-cooked, such as in stir-fries, or simply steamed and even slow-cooked (braised) or used in soups and stews. See our recipe ideas below and also check out our collection of cabbage recipes. Also browse our red cabbage recipes for some festive ideas. How to prepare cabbage There are two ways to prepare cabbage, depending on how many you want it to serve, and how you want to cook it. To serve a small number of people, or for recipes when you need to keep the leaves whole: It’s a good idea to peel the leaves off individually, taking what you need then putting the rest of the cabbage back in the fridge, wrapped up. You can then use these leaves whole or shred them as needed. Depending on how old the cabbage is, you may not want to use the outer leaves, particularly if they are bruised, blemished or damaged. If they’re no good for stock, they can be composted. The central vein in each leaf is tough, particularly on the outer leaves, so you may wish to cut this away, too, especially if you want to cook the cabbage quickly as this part is very dense and will take a long time To serve a bigger crowd: Halve or quarter the cabbage, lay it cut-side down on a board and chop or shred the leaves. For firmer cabbages, such as the red or white ones, you may wish to cut out the tough part of the stem or core first. How to steam cabbage Best for: spring green cabbage, Savoy cabbage Put your prepared, shredded cabbage in a steamer and steam for 5 mins or until tender. How to boil cabbage Best for: all types Put the cabbage leaves or shredded cabbage in a large pan and cover halfway with water. Bring to the boil and cook for 3-5 mins or until tender. This is often followed by blanching – see the next point. How to blanch cabbage Best for: all types To blanch (so the leaves can be sautéed or fried later), cover with water and boil for 3 mins. Transfer the leaves to cold water to refresh. How to sautée cabbage Best for: all types Quarter the cabbage, removing the core, and slice into ½-1cm strips. Heat oil in a large frying pan, then fry with onion for 5-6 mins until slightly browned. Add butter, salt and pepper and cook for 4-5 mins longer. Stir in vinegar or lemon juice and season to taste. How to fry cabbage Best for: all types Shred the leaves from half a head of cabbage, removing any tough leaf stems. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok, then add the cabbage and 2 sliced garlic cloves. Stir-fry until the cabbage starts to wilt, then add 75ml vegetable stock. Cover and cook for 3 mins until just tender. How to braise cabbage Best for: red cabbage, white cabbage Finely slice 1 large onion and put it and 50g butter, or 50ml olive oil, in a heavy-based, flameproof casserole dish. Fry the onion over a medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 mins. Cut the core from a 750g cabbage and finely slice the leaves. Add this to the casserole dish and toss everything together, cooking over a low heat, while you peel and slice 1 apple. Crush 1 tsp juniper and 1 tsp caraway seeds together, then add these and the apple slices to the pan. Season and pour in 500ml cider, red wine or water. Stir well and bring to a simmer, then cover the dish and cook for 20 mins. Other ways to serve cabbage Whole cabbage leaves can be used filled, rolled and baked. Shredded cabbage can be pickled or fermented to make sauerkraut or kimchi. Basic cabbage stir-fry recipe Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 cabbage 4 tbsp fat (you could use butter, olive oil or goose fat) 4 shallots, chopped 1 rosemary sprig 2 garlic cloves, peeled Method: Quarter the cabbage, remove the core and shred the leaves. Blanch in a pan of boiling salted water for 3 mins, then hold under a cold tap to cool. Drain well. Heat the fat in a pan and fry the shallots, rosemary sprig and garlic cloves for 5 mins until golden. Discard the garlic and rosemary, toss in the cabbage, stir-frying until reheated. Season and serve. Our top cabbage recipes Cabbage with bacon & onions Give your greens a bit of crunch with John Torode’s speedy side – perfect for Sunday lunch. Cabbage soup Get three of your 5-a-day with a bowl of this healthy, low-fat cabbage soup. It's delicious on its own topped with parmesan shavings, or served with a hunk of crusty, buttered bread Braised stuffed cabbage Slow-cooked cabbage leaves stuffed with a tasty rice mixture make a hearty veggie main, or an alternative side dish. Garlicky linguine with cabbage & anchovy This thrifty pasta dish of Savoy greens and crispy pangrattato breadcrumbs is beautiful in its simplicity. Pointed cabbage in white wine with fennel seeds For a quick version of sauerkraut, try cabbage simmered in white wine, with onions and herbs. The acidity of this side dish pairs well with the unctuousness of roast pork. Roasted hispi cabbage with a garlic & chilli crumb Try Tom Kerridge's impressive charred hispi cabbage recipe with a punchy breadcrumb coating. Served with his festive porchetta or a roast ham, it works wonderfully as a vegetable side dish. Italian-style roast cabbage wedges with tomato lentils Cabbage leaves are roasted to give a beautifully crisp, caramelised texture on the outside and a soft, sweet centre. This dish makes for an impressive veggie centrepiece served with Italian-inspired lentils and golden roast new potatoes. Get more cabbage inspiration... Cabbage recipes Savoy cabbage recipes Christmas red cabbage recipes White cabbage recipes Bubble & squeak recipes Red cabbage recipes Do you have any tips for cooking cabbage? Leave a comment below...
Watch our video and learn how to cook tofu three ways, check out our top tips and try our favourite tofu recipes once you’ve mastered the technique
Tofu is a versatile ingredient often used in vegetarian and vegan cooking. It can be blended into smoothies, fried and served in salads and stir-fries or even turned into chunky veggie steaks. It is made by curdling fresh soya milk, pressing it into a solid block, then cooling it, much in the same way that traditional dairy cheese is made by curdling and solidifying milk. The liquid (whey) is discarded, and the curds are pressed to form a cohesive bond. A staple ingredient in Thai and Chinese cookery, it can be cooked in different ways to change its texture from smooth and soft to crisp and crunchy. Check out the health benefits of tofu and the nutritional highlights of this super soya product. Want some serving suggestions? Try our top tofu recipes, from pancakes to pasta bakes. Types of tofu These include silken tofu, firm tofu and marinated tofu. Silken tofu Silken tofu contains lots of moisture so is perfect for recipes which require it to be blended, such as adding to smoothies or in this recipe for tofu brekkie pancakes where it is used as a substitute for eggs. Firm tofu Firm tofu is a lot drier making it a good alternative to meat as it holds together much better. If shallow frying, wrap it in kitchen paper first, then place a weight on top such as a saucepan in order to squeeze out excess moisture. Coat it in your favourite spices, curry pastes, or marinades before frying. Try this technique with our spice-crusted tofu with kumquat salad recipe. Marinated tofu Marinated tofu has already been flavoured – try it in the following smoked tofu sandwich recipe: How to prepare tofu for cooking If you want to make extra crispy tofu, it's worth pressing it before cooking. This helps to improve the texture as it removes excess water. You can use a tofu press or simply cover with kitchen roll and weigh it down with a heavy pan or book. Certain types of tofu don't need pressing before use, or depending on the dish, it might not be necessary. Find out more about how to press tofu. How to cook tofu Pan-fried tofu recipe Start by draining your tofu, then wrap it in kitchen roll or a tea towel and press with a heavy object. Leave for about 20 minutes Make a seasoning mix with cornflour, paprika, salt and pepper Cut your tofu into pieces then toss in your seasoning Heat up a frying pan with a little oil then pan-fry your tofu until golden and crispy, turning every few minutes Discover our crispy tofu recipe. Baked tofu recipe Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 Drain and pat dry the tofu, then cut into slices Make a marinade of soy sauce, oil and garlic, then coat the chunks of tofu Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy Try our crispy baked tofu recipe. How to store cooked tofu Allow cooked tofu to cool then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reuse it cold in salads, or reheat (until piping hot) for other dishes such as curries, stir-fries and more. Top tofu recipes 1. Satay tofu skewers Serve up a summery treat with our satay tofu skewers. You can throw this healthy vegan dish together in just 25 minutes, and it's packed with flavour and ideal for a simple barbecue spread. 2. Next level pad Thai Add crispy tofu, prawns, pickled turnip and tamarind to take this classic dish up a notch. Our next level pad Thai makes a decadent dinner for two, but it’s really simple to make. Spend just 10 minutes cooking up this delicious dish and serve with pride. 3. Tofu scramble Switch up your standard breakfast fare with our tofu scramble. Add some curry spices, sweet cherry tomatoes and whip up this healthy plateful for two. If you’re looking for something egg-free or a simple vegan breakfast idea, give this super scramble a go. 4. Burmese tofu fritters (tohu jaw) Serve up our Burmese-inspired tofu fritters with an addictive garlic dipping sauce for a simple starter or a tasty snack. They’re everything we want from a canapé – soft and fluffy on the inside, crispy and golden brown on the outside. 5. Smoked tofu vegan burger Our smoked tofu burger takes a little effort, but it’s well worth it – it really packs a punch. The crunchy veg slaw and spicy mayo is the perfect accompaniment to this brilliant burger. Come barbecue season, this terrific tofu creation will be top of our recipe list. You might also be interested in: Our favourite tofu recipes What is tempeh? Learn more about seitan What’s your favourite way to serve tofu? Leave a comment below...
Fancy a jacket potato for dinner? Speed it up by starting off the potato in the microwave and finishing in the oven or under the grill for a lovely crispy skin.
Achieving jacket potato perfection in the oven can take up to 90 minutes, but using the microwave you can do it in less than half the time. Read our guide on how to cook the perfect microwaved jacket potatoes. The only downside to cooking jacket potatoes in the microwave is that you won’t get that crisp skin you’d get from long oven baking. But you can either halve them and turn them into loaded potato skins and grill them, or bake the jackets in the oven for a few mins to crisp up. Microwaving potatoes whole is also a really good way to maximise the flavour of mashed potato. Once they're cooked, leave them to cool then peel away the skin. Mash the flesh with butter, milk and a little grated cheese if you like, then microwave to heat through. For more ideas of what to serve with jacket potatoes, see our guide on how to make the ultimate baked potato, then see our best baked potato toppings for plenty of ways to pile your spud. We also have plenty of healthy jacket potato fillings and vegan jacket potato filling ideas. Stuck on what to do with the rest of your potatoes? Find out how you can turn one bag of potatoes into 5 easy meals, or check out our most comforting potato recipes and top potato recipes. The important thing to remember is always to prick the potatoes with a fork before cooking – this allows the steam to escape and will stop them from exploding. Make sure you’re using top kitchen kit with our pick of the best microwaves, tried and tested. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. How to microwave a jacket potato recipe Serves 2 2 large baking potatoes 1 tsp olive oil pinch of salt butter You will also need: 2 sheets of kitchen roll 1 microwave-safe plate Wash the baking potatoes and prick the skins all over with a fork, creating lots of little holes for steam to escape from. Lay a piece of kitchen roll on a microwave-safe plate, put the potatoes on it and pop another sheet of kitchen roll on top. Microwave for 4 mins, then take them out and turn the potatoes over – careful, they will be hot. Re-cover with the kitchen roll and cook for another 4 mins, then turn again. Keep cooking in 1-2 min bursts until they feel soft all the way through and the skins are wrinkled. Take them out and leave them to cool. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, rub the skins all over with the olive oil and sprinkle with the sea salt. Put them in the oven for 10-15 mins or until the skins are starting to crisp. Split the potatoes open and add the butter. Serve with your favourite toppings or alongside a stew or casserole. Top 5 jacket potato recipes For best results, we recommend cooking your jacket potatoes in the oven, but you can easily speed up the process by starting them off in the microwave as detailed above. Potato skin tacos Load up these spicy, cheesy potatoes with avocado and onion salad for a quick and easy veggie dish. Mushroom jacket potatoes Take just a few ingredients and rustle up these tasty jacket potatoes with mushrooms. They're healthy, low-calorie, gluten-free and ideal for a filling lunch or supper. Jacket potato with whipped feta & sumac The fragrant, zesty flavour of sumac is a refreshing contrast to the creamy whipped feta. Cook with confidence Download the Good Food app to get full access to exclusive videos, plus handy tools like cook mode, timers and stay awake settings. Get 3 months for 99p Soy-baked potatoes with tuna sriracha mayo Perfect for a speedy supper, serve jacket potatoes with a spicy mayo that’s fragrant with ginger for a fresh take on the usual cheesy beans number. Loaded potato skins with speedy baked beans Try our healthier version of cheesy potato skins topped with baked beans for a satisfying weeknight supper. See our baked potato collection for more recipe inspiration. Check out more microwaveable recipes and gadgets... Microwave recipe collection Microwave pudding recipe collection 10 easy microwave recipes 10 dishes you can cook in a microwave in minutes How to make scrambled eggs in the microwave How to cook in a microwave Best microwaves on test Have you tried microwaving a jacket potato? Leave a comment below
We've partnered with Gardener's World to bring you the best seasonal picks for September. See our pro tips for cooking aubergines, potatoes, chillies, figs and more.
September is a great time to try new things with so much coming into season, and as the kids go back to school, it’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with new ingredients as well as busying yourself in the garden. Read our tips for making the most out of September seasonal food such as aubergines, chives, potatoes, chillies and figs and check out some gardening tasks to start you off for autumn. Finally, celebrate the best of nature’s bounty with our list of seasonal calendar dates to look out for this month, from Sourdough September to British Food Fortnight and Seed Gathering Season. If you want to make the most of Autumn's bounty, check out more of our September recipes, Autumn recipes, Autumn vegan recipes and Autumn drinks & cocktails recipes. September season produce 1. Aubergines Aubergines drink up flavour so work brilliantly in curries, bakes and warm salads with punchy dressings. This griddled aubergine salad with sultanas & pine nuts from writer and stylist Sarah Cook is beautifully simple, too. Or try our baked ratatouille & goat’s cheese. Tip: Aubergines come from the tropics, so they’re best grown in a greenhouse, with lots of watering and a humid atmosphere. Wait until each fruit has developed its full colour, then cut the stem, about 2cm above the fruit. 2. Chives With their fresh oniony flavour and subtle garlicky pepperiness, just a few snips of these grassy stems can completely transform dishes. Sprinkle them on scrambled eggs, over a simple tomato salad or on anything fish or seafood-based. They make a brilliant shortcut, too, if you don’t have time to fry an onion – simply sprinkle some chopped chives over at the end. Try them in noodle dishes, soups made from leftovers and dumplings like our easy pork & chive dumplings. 3. Potatoes This is the perfect time to dig up maincrop potatoes. They take longer to mature than new potatoes and keep well in paper sacks. Check the crop is ready by removing a little soil first. On a dry day, carefully fork the spuds out, one plant at a time, then lay them on the soil for a couple of hours, so the skins are dry before eating or bagging. Dig up all your potatoes in autumn to keep your plot clean for future veg growing. Try our air-fryer potato wedges. Tip: We use Tom Kerridge’s method for ensuring delightfully crisp roast potatoes; dry out your parboiled tatties on a wire rack, then roast them in hot oil making sure the tray isn’t too crowded. You don’t need to flour the potatoes, or shake the pan to rough them up. 4. Chillies If you crave chilli heat, it’s tempting to add it to every dish. We especially love combining citrus, coriander and chilli in salads, or drizzling a mix of finely diced red chilli, garlic oil and parsley over a bowl of peeled soft-boiled eggs with some Greek yogurt. Try using chillies in this beetroot & chilli salsa. Tip: We enjoy a hit of chilli in biscuits or desserts as well as savoury dishes. Try drizzling baked chocolate biscuits with melted white and dark chocolate, then sprinkle with finely chopped stem ginger, a pinch of chilli flakes and a little sea salt. 5. Figs Figs are incredibly versatile, tasting amazing whether enjoyed raw in a sweet fashion—drizzled with honey and paired with yogurt—or in a savoury style, added to a salad with Parma ham. They can also be grilled, roasted, or poached. Tip: One of our favourite ways to enjoy this fruit is by turning it into a homemade gift for loved ones. Try our fig jam recipe on top of fresh crusty bread to show someone you care. More seasonal fruit and veg in September Apple Aubergine Blackberry Broccoli Celeriac Damson Fig Leek Nectarine Tomato Radish Garden tasks for September Ripen pumpkins by standing them on bricks Sow spinach in fertile soil to overwinter for a spring harvest Dig up and pot a few herb plants to keep under cover for autumn and winter pickings Sow dill and parsley under cover for early harvests next year Cut out the old fruited canes of blackberries, then tie in the new ones Get ready to plant new fruit trees and bushes by preparing beds and choosing suitable varieties from a catalogue or online For more seasonal gardening tips, see Gardeners’ World. Seasonal food dates in September 1-30 September: Sourdough September Learn how to make this staple bread with our white sourdough recipe. 1-7 September: Zero Waste Week Learn how to make the most of your produce with our helpful article on how to reduce food waste. 1-30 September: Organic September Read more about what organic means and whether it's really worth buying organic. 26 September-12 October: British Food Fortnight Discover 10 ways to eat out sustainably and check our our glossary of sustainable terms. 22 September-22 October: Seed Gathering Season See our seasonal calendar for more inspiration. More seasonal recipes and information: Autumn recipes Autumn vegetarian recipes Healthy autumn recipes Autumn vegan recipes Autumn cake recipes Autumn soup recipes Which fruit and veg do you enjoy in September? Leave a comment below. Emma Crawforth is a qualified horticulturist who trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and is the gardening editor for BBC Gardeners’ World. Miriam Nice is a published author and illustrator. She has written over 350 recipes for BBC Good Food. The September issue of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine is on sale now.
Emma Crawforth of BBC Gardeners’ World helps us recommend what to grow, cook and eat in August. See our top summer recipes, featuring tomatoes and sweetcorn
We're thrilled to be working with the gardening oracle that is Emma Crawforth of Gardeners' World. To complement our August seasonal food recommendations and selection of some of our favourite recipes, she’ll be providing top-notch gardening advice, giving us a better understanding of the plants we eat. This month is filled with reasons to get outside and enjoy growing your own; with Eat Outside Day (31 August) and a bank holiday, it couldn’t be a better time to have Emma on board. For more inspiration on using fresh seasonal summer produce, check out our summer recipes, summer budget recipes and summer dinner ideas. Also, discover more August recipes made with the best of this month’s seasonal produce. August season produce 1. Tomatoes Fully developed colour and shiny skin are good indicators of tomato ripeness – they should feel slightly tender, neither soft nor hard. While the fruits ripen best on the plant, left too long they will split. Most tomatoes come away from the plant easily, but others need cutting off. For the best flavour, choose good varieties – such as Sungold or Black Opal – grow in full sun, neither overwater nor overfeed, and harvest at the right time. Refrigeration is the enemy of tomato flavour, but be aware that ripe fruits give off ethylene, which hastens ripening in others, so if you’ve picked a lot, use them quickly. Tip: Try adding a splash of vodka to this tomato & basil granita just before serving to make it extra special. For more delicious tomato recipes, see our ultimate tomato collection, including our roasted tomato tart with double-cheese crust. 2. French beans Also known as green beans or common beans, these need hardly any prep at all. You can top and tail them, but we often just take off the woody top stalk and leave the curly end intact. Great simmered for just a few mins until tender and dressed in vinaigrette, or the unusual sweet-nutty topping in our maple pecan beans. Tip: Pick French beans regularly (every few days) in the morning when they’re firmest, then store them in the fridge. This routine helps to catch them in peak condition and encourages the plants to produce more beans. Discover our green bean collection for more recipes. 3. Sweetcorn Sweetcorn is very simple to cook in water, but corn on the cob also cooks really well on the barbecue. You can either barbecue it wrapped in foil or in its own papery husk for 8-15 mins. Unwrap and serve with a flavoured butter or oil, like our corn with coriander butter. Tip: Test sweetcorn cobs for ripeness as soon as the tassels and tops turn brown. Peel back the husk covering, then puncture the yellow cob with your thumbnail. If you see milky (not clear) juice, it’s time to harvest by pulling, rather than cutting, the cob off. Find more recipe inspiration with our sweetcorn collection. 4. Basil A key player in savoury summer salads and potato dishes, basil is an extremely versatile herb. Its subtle, slightly peppery note also pairs well with fruits like melon, strawberry and lemon, so try using it to garnish desserts, as you would with mint. Try it with our garlic, basil & olive oil mash. Tip: It’s easy to overwater basil – soak the compost and let it dry out before watering again. Do this in the morning so your plant isn’t sitting in wet compost overnight. See our basil collection for more recipes. 5. Blackberries Blackberries are at their peak from late July through to mid-October, offering delightful juiciness whether eaten fresh from the bush or cooked. When foraging, seek out plump, shiny and tender berries for the best taste and texture. For a tangy twist on a classic cocktail, give our refreshing blackberry & mint julep a try. Tip: Foraging for blackberries is a great activity for the whole family, but wear long sleeves or bring a pair of gloves to protect yourself from the bramble thorns. We also recommend bringing a basket or bucket to collect your haul. See our blackberry recipes collection for more inspiration. More seasonal fruit and veg in August: Apricot Aubergine Banana Basil Beetroot Blackberry Broad beans Cavolo nero Crab Elderberries Fig Gooseberry Halibut Nectarine Check out when produce is in season with our useful seasonal calendar. Garden tasks for August Sow seeds of winter salad leaves, radishes and spring cabbages. Keep harvesting summer veg, always looking out for crops that are ready. Snip off and use the tops of herb shoots frequently, to keep them bushy. Prune trained apples, pears and cherries. Cut out the old canes of summer-fruiting raspberries when you’ve finished harvesting them. Prune plums after fruiting. Lift onions with a fork and leave on top of the soil to dry out for a few days in dry weather. For more seasonal gardening tips, see Gardeners’ World. Seasonal food dates in August 1 August: International Beer Day If traditional beer isn't your thing, see our non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer review. 11-17 August: Afternoon Tea Week If you're headed out to celebrate, see our guide to the best afternoon teas in London. Or make your own at home with our afternoon tea recipes. 13 August: Prosecco Day Celebrate with a glass of fizz this summer. If you’ve broken open a bottle and want to spice up your soirées, try one of our easy prosecco cocktail recipes. 22 August: World Plant Milk Day Try making your own plant milk at home with our almond milk and oat milk recipes. 25 August: Bank holiday A bank holiday is the perfect excuse for a summer party. Try serving our best bank holiday drinks and our top party food. See our seasonal calendar for more inspiration. More seasonal recipes and information... Summer recipes Vegetarian summer recipes Summer budget recipes Summer family recipes Easy summer recipes Which fruit and veg do you enjoy in August? Leave a comment below... Emma Crawforth is a qualified horticulturist who trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and is the gardening editor for BBC Gardeners’ World. Miriam Nice is a published author and illustrator. She has written over 350 recipes for Good Food. The August issue of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine is on sale now.