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Author: Amy Riley

Behind the Scenes – The Little Jobs That Make a Big Difference

Posted on by Amy Riley

Growing tomatoes is about far more than simply planting them and waiting for the fruit to appear.

Behind the scenes in our glasshouses, there are countless jobs taking place throughout the growing cycle to help our plants stay healthy and produce the high-quality tomatoes our customers expect.

Some of these jobs might seem small, but together they can make a big difference.

Carefully Removing Leaves

As our tomato plants grow, selected older leaves are removed.

This helps manage the plant and allows more light around developing fruit. Although removing a few leaves may look like a simple job, knowing which leaves to remove and when requires care and experience.

Even the removed leaves can sometimes continue playing a role in the glasshouse. We may leave them temporarily on the ground to provide shelter for beneficial insects before they’re removed.

Supporting Our Trusses

As tomatoes develop, the weight of the fruit can put pressure on the plant.

Certain varieties can be prone to their trusses bending or kinking, so small truss clips can be used to provide additional support.

They’re tiny tools, but they help keep the truss in the right position as the tomatoes continue to develop.

Pruning Our Plants

Pruning is another important part of managing our tomato plants.

Different varieties can have different requirements, so our team carefully manages the amount of fruit on individual plants.

The aim is to create the right balance, allowing each plant to put its energy into producing a healthy, consistent crop.

Nature’s Pest Control

Some of the smallest workers in our glasshouses aren’t people at all!

Beneficial insects can help us manage pests that might otherwise cause problems for our tomato plants. By introducing and supporting these helpful insects, we’re able to work with natural processes within our growing environment.

It’s All in the Detail

There isn’t one single secret behind growing a great tomato.

Instead, it’s the combination of knowledge, experience and hundreds of small decisions made throughout the growing process.

From supporting a truss to removing a leaf at just the right time, our team pays attention to the details every day.

It’s this care that helps us continue producing the quality British tomatoes we’re proud to grow at R & L Holt.

Tomato, Feta & Orzo Summer Salad

Posted on by Amy Riley

For those warm August days when you want something fresh and filling without a heavy meal, this Tomato, Feta & Orzo Summer Salad ticks all the boxes.

Combining juicy tomatoes with orzo, feta, cucumber and fresh herbs, it’s colourful, simple to prepare and ideal for BBQs, lunches or summer entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 250g orzo
  • 400g British tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely sliced
  • 150g feta, crumbled
  • Handful of fresh parsley
  • Handful of fresh basil

For the dressing:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Cook the orzo according to the packet instructions.
  2. Drain and rinse under cold water before leaving it to cool.
  3. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and cooled orzo to a large bowl.
  4. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and oregano to create the dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
  6. Fold through the feta and fresh herbs.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper and serve.

Make the Most of August Produce

August is a wonderful month for fresh, colourful food, and this salad really allows the tomatoes to shine.

The sweetness of ripe tomatoes works beautifully with salty feta and a fresh lemon dressing, while the orzo makes the salad substantial enough to enjoy as a light meal.

It’s also ideal for entertaining because you can prepare most of it in advance. Keep it chilled and add the dressing and herbs shortly before serving.

Whether you’re enjoying it in the garden, taking it to a picnic or serving it alongside your favourite BBQ dishes, it’s an easy way to put fresh tomatoes at the heart of your summer menu.

Why Buying British Tomatoes Matters

Posted on by Amy Riley

When you’re walking through the supermarket, checking where your tomatoes were grown might seem like a small decision. But choosing British-grown tomatoes can have benefits that go far beyond your dinner plate.

At R & L Holt, we’re proud to be part of the British tomato-growing industry and of the work that goes into producing fresh, quality tomatoes here in the UK.

Supporting British Growers

Choosing British produce helps support growers, employees and businesses working throughout the UK food and farming industry.

Behind every crop are people working every day to care for plants, manage growing environments, harvest produce and ensure it reaches customers at the quality they expect.

Choosing British-grown products is a simple way consumers can support that work.

A Shorter Journey

British tomatoes don’t need to travel across continents before reaching UK supermarket shelves.

A shorter journey from grower to retailer can mean tomatoes reach shoppers quickly after harvest, helping customers enjoy them while they’re still wonderfully fresh.

Celebrating Seasonal British Produce

Eating with the seasons is also a fantastic way to appreciate produce when it’s abundant and at its best.

Summer is a particularly exciting time for tomato lovers. From salads and sandwiches to BBQ dishes, pasta, pizzas and fresh salsas, there are endless opportunities to put tomatoes on the menu.

Look for British

Next time you’re doing your weekly shop, take a moment to check the label and see where your tomatoes were grown.

Choosing British might feel like one small decision, but those decisions collectively help support the future of British growing.

We’re incredibly proud of the care that goes into our tomatoes at R & L Holt and even prouder to see British produce being enjoyed by families across the country.

Tomato, Cheddar & Herb Savoury Muffins

Posted on by Amy Riley

Tomatoes aren’t just for salads and sauces. These Tomato, Cheddar & Herb Savoury Muffins are a great way to use fresh tomatoes in something a little different.

Ideal for lunchboxes, picnics or an afternoon snack, they can be made ahead of time and enjoyed warm or cold.

Ingredients

  • 200g cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 250g self-raising flour
  • 100g mature cheddar, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 150ml milk
  • 75ml olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
  • Small handful of fresh chives
  • Pinch of salt
  • Black pepper

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a muffin tin with cases.
  2. Add the flour, cheese, herbs, salt and pepper to a large bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and olive oil.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently combine.
  5. Fold through the chopped tomatoes and fresh chives, taking care not to overmix.
  6. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases.
  7. Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Perfect for Summer Days Out

These muffins are particularly handy during the summer holidays. Make a batch in advance and you’ve got an easy addition to lunchboxes, picnics or days out.

The tomatoes add little bursts of freshness and sweetness, while mature cheddar provides plenty of savoury flavour.

You can also experiment with the recipe by adding sweetcorn, finely chopped peppers or a little feta.

Fresh British tomatoes are incredibly versatile, and recipes like this show that they don’t always need to be the obvious star of the plate. They can add flavour, moisture and colour to all sorts of everyday dishes.

From Glasshouse to Supermarket – The Journey of an R & L Holt Tomato

Posted on by Amy Riley

When you pick up a pack of British tomatoes during your weekly shop, it’s easy to forget just how much work has already gone into getting them there.

At R & L Holt, the journey begins long before a tomato is ready to be harvested.

It Starts in the Glasshouse

Producing a quality tomato begins with creating the right growing environment.

Our plants require careful management throughout their development, with our team monitoring everything from the condition of the plants to their growing environment.

Tasks such as pruning and removing selected leaves help maintain healthy plants and ensure developing fruit has the conditions it needs.

We also use beneficial insects as part of our approach to crop protection, working with nature to help manage unwanted pests within the glasshouse.

Knowing When to Pick

As our tomatoes develop, they’re carefully monitored for ripeness and quality.

Harvesting at the right stage is important. We want our tomatoes to reach customers fresh, colourful and full of flavour, so timing plays an important part in the process.

Once they’re ready, they’re carefully harvested before beginning the next part of their journey.

Off to the Pack House

After harvesting, our tomatoes head to the pack house, where they’re prepared for the next stage of their journey.

From there, they can make their way into supermarkets and ultimately into kitchens across the country.

In fact, the journey can happen incredibly quickly, with tomatoes potentially reaching supermarket shelves within just 24 hours of being harvested.

Freshness You Can Taste

That short journey is one of the great advantages of choosing British-grown produce.

For us, every stage matters. From looking after the plants in our glasshouses to carefully harvesting the finished fruit, our team works hard to maintain quality throughout the process.

So, next time you pick up British tomatoes in the supermarket, spare a thought for the journey they’ve already been on – and all the work that’s happened behind the scenes to get them there.

Creamy Tomato & Spinach Gnocchi

Posted on by Amy Riley

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that delivers plenty of flavour without spending hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Tomato & Spinach Gnocchi is the perfect choice.

Juicy fresh tomatoes create the base of a simple sauce, while spinach and cream make the finished dish wonderfully comforting. Best of all, it can be on the table in around 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 500g gnocchi
  • 500g ripe British tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 150ml single cream
  • 100g fresh spinach
  • 30g grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Handful of fresh basil
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook gently until softened.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Allow the tomatoes to cook for around 10 minutes until they begin to break down and create a sauce.
  6. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to the packet instructions.
  7. Stir the cream into the tomato mixture before adding the spinach.
  8. Once the spinach has wilted, add the cooked gnocchi and stir everything together.
  9. Finish with Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.

Fresh Tomatoes Make the Difference

Fresh tomatoes bring natural sweetness and acidity to this dish, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce.

Leaving some of the tomatoes slightly chunky also gives the finished sauce plenty of texture, making this a great alternative to reaching for a jar of ready-made pasta sauce.

It’s a particularly useful recipe for busy summer evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend too long cooking.

Serve with a green salad or some crusty bread and you’ve got an easy family meal that celebrates one of summer’s most versatile ingredients.

Tomato, Pesto & Mozzarella Flatbreads

Posted on by Amy Riley

When you want something quick, fresh and full of summer flavour, these Tomato, Pesto & Mozzarella Flatbreads are hard to beat. They’re simple enough for a midweek lunch but also make a great addition to a relaxed summer gathering with friends and family.

Fresh tomatoes are the star of this recipe. Paired with creamy mozzarella, fragrant pesto and crisp flatbreads, they create a meal that requires very little preparation but delivers plenty of flavour.

Ingredients

  • 4 flatbreads
  • 4 ripe British tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 balls of mozzarella, torn into pieces
  • 4 tbsp green pesto
  • Handful of fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Black pepper
  • Rocket, to serve

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
  2. Place the flatbreads onto a large baking tray.
  3. Spread a tablespoon of pesto over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edge.
  4. Arrange the sliced tomatoes across the top.
  5. Tear over the mozzarella and season with black pepper.
  6. Bake for around 10–12 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted and the edges of the flatbreads are crisp.
  7. Remove from the oven and finish with fresh basil, rocket and a drizzle of olive oil.
  8. Slice and serve immediately.

A Simple Taste of Summer

One of the best things about cooking with fresh seasonal tomatoes is that you don’t need to do very much to them. When tomatoes are naturally ripe and full of flavour, simple ingredients are often all that’s needed.

These flatbreads can also be easily adapted. Try adding roasted peppers, red onion or olives, or add a little chilli if you prefer some extra heat.

Serve alongside a fresh salad for an easy evening meal, or cut the flatbreads into smaller pieces to create a sharing dish for a summer get-together.

At R & L Holt, we’re proud to grow British tomatoes that can be enjoyed in everything from simple snacks to family dinners. Sometimes the easiest recipes are the ones that really allow great ingredients to shine.

Classic Tomato Bruschetta with Basil & Garlic

Posted on by Amy Riley

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delicious. Tomato bruschetta is a classic Italian favourite that celebrates the fresh taste of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil.

Perfect as a starter, light lunch or BBQ side, this recipe lets seasonal British tomatoes take centre stage.

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe British tomatoes
  • 1 baguette
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces.
  2. Tear the basil leaves and mix with the tomatoes.
  3. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
  4. Slice the baguette and toast until golden.
  5. Rub each slice with a peeled garlic clove.
  6. Spoon the tomato mixture generously over each slice.
  7. Serve immediately.

Why We Love It

Bruschetta is proof that fresh ingredients don’t need to be complicated. Sweet, juicy tomatoes combined with crusty bread and fragrant basil make this a perfect recipe for summer entertaining.

Whether you’re serving it as a starter or sharing it with friends at a BBQ, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Five Summer Picnic Ideas Using Fresh Tomatoes

Posted on by Amy Riley

Nothing says summer quite like a picnic, and fresh tomatoes are one of the easiest ingredients to include in a delicious outdoor feast. They’re colourful, refreshing and incredibly versatile, making them the perfect addition to picnic baskets throughout July.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the countryside or your local park, here are five simple ways to enjoy fresh tomatoes this summer.

1. Classic Tomato Sandwiches

Keep it simple with thick slices of fresh tomato, butter, cracked black pepper and fresh basil on crusty bread. It’s a timeless summer favourite that’s quick to prepare and full of flavour.

2. Mini Caprese Skewers

Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil onto cocktail sticks. Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze before serving for a colourful picnic snack that’s easy to eat on the go.

3. Pasta Salad

Mix cooked pasta with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, olives and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing picnic side that’s easy to prepare in advance.

4. Tomato Bruschetta

Prepare the tomato topping at home and pack toasted bread separately. Assemble just before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh.

5. Fresh Tomato Salsa

Pair homemade tomato salsa with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for a light and flavourful picnic snack that everyone can enjoy.

Make the Most of Seasonal Produce

July offers some of the freshest tomatoes of the year, making it the perfect time to include them in your favourite picnic recipes. Fresh, colourful and full of flavour, they’re guaranteed to brighten up any summer gathering.

At R & L Holt, we’re proud to supply quality tomatoes that are perfect for every occasion—from family meals to sunny afternoon picnics.

Mediterranean Tomato & Chickpea Traybake

Posted on by Amy Riley

Looking for a healthy, fuss-free dinner? This Mediterranean Tomato & Chickpea Traybake is packed with colourful vegetables and delicious flavours while requiring very little preparation.

Simply add everything to one tray, pop it in the oven and let the fresh ingredients do the work.

Ingredients

  • 500g British tomatoes
  • 1 tin chickpeas
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 courgette
  • 1 red pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp mixed herbs
  • 100g feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
  2. Chop the vegetables into chunks.
  3. Add everything except the feta and parsley to a roasting tray.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs.
  5. Roast for 35 minutes.
  6. Scatter over the feta.
  7. Return to the oven for 5 minutes.
  8. Finish with chopped parsley before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

One-pan meals are perfect for busy evenings. The tomatoes soften beautifully as they roast, creating a delicious natural sauce that coats the vegetables and chickpeas.

Serve with crusty bread, couscous or rice for a complete meal.

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