Italians eat with the seasons, meaning most restaurants will change their menus depending on which vegetables are freshest and tastiest that week. If you find yourself in Italy over the summer, these are the seasonal dishes to look out for.

Melon and ham

These brightly coloured ham-wrapped melon slices taste just as good as they look. The kind of meat depends on the area, with prosciutto and parma two of the most popular varieties. The dish is a staple on every summer buffet or aperitivo table, and in fact it dates back to 2 AD, when doctors thought the balance between the cold, juicy, sweet melon and the warm, dry, salty ham was good for health. Some variations call for balsamic vinegar, mozzarella, or parmesan to be added, but try the duo on its own first.