Author: 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.

When you buy tomatoes from R & L Holt, you’re getting much more than fresh produce. Behind every tomato is a team dedicated to growing healthy plants and producing the highest-quality crop possible.

Growing exceptional tomatoes takes time, knowledge and care. From planting to harvesting, every stage of the process plays an important role.

Looking After Every Plant

Our team carefully monitors each crop throughout the growing season. Regular maintenance helps keep our plants healthy and encourages the very best fruit production.

Simple tasks, such as removing older leaves, allow more sunlight to reach the tomatoes, helping them ripen naturally while improving airflow around the plants.

Working With Nature

One of the ways we care for our crops is by encouraging nature to do some of the hard work.

Beneficial insects play an important role in protecting our tomato plants by helping control pests such as whitefly and red spider mites. This natural approach allows us to maintain healthy crops while working alongside the environment.

Harvested at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to tomatoes.

We carefully monitor the ripening process so that tomatoes are picked when they have developed the colour, flavour and quality our customers expect.

This attention to detail helps ensure every tomato arrives fresh and ready to enjoy.

A Passion for Quality

Growing tomatoes isn’t just our job—it’s something we genuinely care about.

From daily crop inspections to harvesting and packing, every member of the R & L Holt team takes pride in producing tomatoes that look great and taste even better.

We believe quality starts in the greenhouse, and every step we take is designed to deliver the very best produce possible.

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.