When you think of tomatoes, you might picture sun-drenched Italian vineyards or sprawling Spanish farms. But the UK? Surprise — the UK has a rich, juicy tomato story of its own!
Here are three fascinating facts about British tomatoes that you probably didn’t know…
- The UK Grows Over 70 Varieties of Tomatoes
Across the UK, over 70 different varieties of tomatoes are cultivated — from tiny sweet cherry types to huge, ribbed heritage beefsteaks. Many UK growers are now specialising in colourful and exotic breeds too: yellow, purple, even stripey green varieties are all being grown right here.
Some of the most sought-after “Mediterranean” tomato types are actually being grown in the balmy microclimates of places like the Isle of Wight and Kent!
- UK Tomatoes Travel Less Than 50 Miles to Supermarkets
One major advantage of British tomatoes? Ultra-low food miles. A lot of British-grown tomatoes are harvested and in supermarket shelves within 24 to 48 hours — often travelling less than 50 miles from greenhouse to basket.
Why does this matter?
- Fresher flavour — you can taste the difference!
- Less CO₂ emissions compared to importing tomatoes from Spain, Morocco, or the Netherlands.
- Supports local farmers and sustainable growing practices.
- British Tomatoes Are at Their Sweetest in Late Spring and Early Summer
Many people think August is tomato season, but British glasshouse tomatoes actually hit peak sweetness between May and July. This is thanks to the gradual build-up of sunshine hours in spring, combined with slightly cooler nights — a perfect combination that concentrates natural sugars without blowing out the acidity.
If you see British tomatoes labelled “vine-ripened” in May or June, grab them. They’re at their juicy, fragrant, best — perfect for slicing onto crusty bread, tossing into salads, or just eating like sweets straight from the punnet.
