Author: Amy Riley

July is one of the best months of the year to enjoy British tomatoes. With long daylight hours, warm temperatures and ideal growing conditions, tomatoes reach their peak in both flavour and quality during the height of summer.

At R & L Holt, we’re passionate about producing tomatoes that are fresh, delicious and packed with natural goodness. By harvesting our tomatoes at just the right time, we can ensure they arrive bursting with colour, flavour and freshness.

What Makes July Tomatoes So Special?

Tomatoes thrive during the summer months when they receive plenty of natural sunlight. This helps them develop their vibrant colour, juicy texture and naturally sweet taste.

Unlike tomatoes that have travelled long distances, locally grown British tomatoes can be picked closer to ripeness. This means they spend less time in transit and more time developing their full flavour on the vine.

Packed with Goodness

Tomatoes aren’t just delicious—they’re also naturally rich in nutrients. They’re a source of:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Potassium
• Lycopene, a natural antioxidant that gives tomatoes their rich red colour

Adding fresh tomatoes to your meals is an easy way to enjoy nutritious, seasonal produce.

Endless Ways to Enjoy Them

One of the reasons tomatoes are so popular is their versatility. During July you can enjoy them:

• In fresh salads
• On sandwiches and wraps
• Roasted with vegetables
• Added to homemade pasta sauces
• As part of a BBQ spread
• On bruschetta or pizzas
• Blended into salsas and dips

Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, tomatoes fit effortlessly into countless summer recipes.

Supporting British Growers

Choosing British tomatoes also supports local growers and reduces food miles. Buying seasonal produce helps ensure you’re enjoying ingredients when they’re naturally at their very best.

At R & L Holt, we’re proud to grow quality tomatoes with care and attention throughout the season. Every tomato reflects the hard work of our team and our commitment to producing fresh, high-quality produce for our customers.

This July, make the most of tomato season by adding fresh British tomatoes to your meals and discovering just how versatile this summer favourite can be.

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen, making them an easy addition to meals throughout the day. Whether you’re looking to enjoy more seasonal produce during British Tomato Fortnight or simply want to add more flavour and colour to your meals, tomatoes are a fantastic choice.

Rich in vitamins, antioxidants and bursting with fresh flavour, tomatoes can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are five simple ways to eat more tomatoes this summer.

1. Upgrade Your Salads

A classic tomato salad never goes out of style. Mix fresh tomatoes with mozzarella, cucumber, red onion or avocado for a quick and colourful lunch. Add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra flavour.

2. Add Tomatoes to Breakfast

Tomatoes aren’t just for lunch and dinner. Grilled tomatoes make a delicious addition to a cooked breakfast, while cherry tomatoes can be added to omelettes, scrambled eggs or breakfast wraps.

3. Create Homemade Pasta Sauces

Fresh tomatoes are perfect for creating simple homemade pasta sauces. Roast them with garlic, onions and herbs before blending for a rich and flavourful sauce that’s far superior to many shop-bought alternatives.

4. Stuff and Bake Them

Large tomatoes make an excellent edible bowl. Fill them with couscous, rice, vegetables or cheese before baking for an easy and satisfying meal that’s ideal for summer dining.

5. Make Them the Star of Your BBQ

Tomatoes are often overlooked when it comes to BBQs, but they work brilliantly on the grill. Thread cherry tomatoes onto skewers, add them to kebabs or serve fresh tomato salads alongside your BBQ favourites.

Why Tomatoes Are Worth Celebrating

British tomatoes are at their best during the summer months, offering exceptional flavour, freshness and quality. By choosing seasonal tomatoes, you’re supporting British growers while enjoying produce at its peak.

During British Tomato Fortnight and throughout June, challenge yourself to try a new tomato recipe or add tomatoes to more of your favourite meals. You may be surprised by just how versatile this humble ingredient can be.

At R & L Holt, we’re proud to supply quality fresh produce and help our customers make the most of seasonal ingredients all year round.

June signals the start of BBQ season across the UK, and fresh produce plays a key role in creating a memorable spread.

While burgers and sausages often take centre stage, colourful salads, grilled vegetables and fresh sides can elevate any gathering.

Popular BBQ vegetables include peppers, courgettes, onions and sweetcorn. Fresh tomatoes also make excellent salads and toppings, while strawberries provide the perfect dessert option.

Preparing fresh ingredients ahead of time can reduce stress and help hosts spend more time enjoying the event with family and friends.

Whether you’re planning a garden party or a casual weekend BBQ, quality ingredients make all the difference.

Seasonal shopping isn’t just about following food trends – it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresher produce while supporting British agriculture.

When fruit and vegetables are harvested in season, they often reach shops faster, meaning better flavour, improved freshness and less environmental impact from transportation.

June brings an abundance of fantastic produce including tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, cucumber, courgettes and new potatoes.

Choosing seasonal produce can also encourage variety in your meals. Rather than buying the same ingredients all year round, seasonal shopping helps introduce new recipes and flavours throughout the year.

At R & L Holt, we’re proud to offer quality produce that helps customers make the most of every season.

British Tomato Fortnight runs from 1st to 14th June and is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of the UK’s most versatile and delicious ingredients. Whether enjoyed fresh in salads, roasted in pasta dishes, or blended into soups and sauces, British tomatoes are packed with flavour and nutritional benefits.

At R & L Holt, we’re proud to stock quality fresh produce and encourage customers to make the most of seasonal ingredients whenever possible. British tomatoes are at their absolute best during the summer months, offering superior taste, freshness and supporting local growers.

Tomatoes are naturally rich in vitamins A and C, potassium and antioxidants such as lycopene, which has been linked to various health benefits. They are incredibly versatile too. From classic tomato and basil salads to homemade pasta sauces and BBQ side dishes, there are endless ways to enjoy them.

Supporting British growers also helps reduce food miles, making seasonal shopping a more environmentally conscious choice. By choosing British tomatoes during Tomato Fortnight, you’re helping local farmers while enjoying produce at its freshest.

Why not challenge yourself to add tomatoes to more meals this fortnight? Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, this humble ingredient can transform a dish with colour, flavour and nutrition.