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Author: Amy Riley

The current tomato shortage in the UK has had a profound impact on supermarkets all across the country. From rationing tomato stock, to supermarket shelves being completely void of our favourite fruit, shoppers and producers alike don’t know when this will come to an end. 

Many growers across the UK have attributed this tomato shortage to poor weather conditions as well as the rising cost of living. This has resulted in reduced volumes of imported fruit. With a lot of Northern Europe delaying or not planting lit crops, due to the energy markets, many UK supermarkets have relied on more fruit from southern Europe and northern Africa this winter.

Our lit crop is in production producing Roterno, Strabena and Yelorita, at Sandylands. This normally starts in November but we delayed planting last year due to uncertainty on energy costs so started picking in early January.

So, we are in production during this fruit shortage and our conventional crops will be no later than normal starting later this week and mid to late March in other locations. UK growers in general expect most of the conventional crops to be in production in April which is a normal start date.

Britain is well known for many reasons, from the Royal Family to roast dinners, Britain has many iconic aspects. 

Tomatoes are foods that are arguably not usually associated with Britain by most people, especially when Yorkshire puddings and fish and chips spring to mind, but we’re here to tell you why British tomatoes are the tomatoes you should be buying!

  1. British tomatoes are full of flavour 

British tomatoes are only picked when they are perfectly ripe, meaning they’re left attached to the vine for as long as possible. This gives them more time to develop extra flavour. The environment in which they are grown, in greenhouses, also contribute to their fantastic flavour. This means that we, as growers, can fully control the environment they are grown in and ensure the tomatoes get what they need. Temperatures can be regulated and the use of LED lighting ensures that there is enough light for plants to grow to their full potential.

    2. The variety available in the UK 

There are a range of tomato varieties in the UK, from sweet cherry tomatoes to big, bold beefsteaks, British producers are now producing tomatoes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and even colours. Each variety has their own unique flavours and textures that makes them memorable for different reasons, try some out for yourself!

     3.  The way British tomatoes are harvested 

By only being picked when they’re ready to eat, British tomatoes don’t spend time in refrigerated vehicles. Keeping tomatoes at low temperatures for an extended period of time severely impacts their final flavour, sometimes resulting in them not being as tasty. By getting them to shop shelves within days, British growers are able to capture this unmatched flavour.

There are many reasons to be proud of your British heritage, and now you can add their tomatoes to the list! Have you learnt something new about British tomatoes? Let us know!

Everyone knows it, and everyone loves it. Try out this delicious spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce for a classic taste of Italy for your next meal!

Ingredients 

  • 200g spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tsp caster sugar
  • 300g tomato, diced
  • 125g ball mozzarella or burrata (see tip, below), torn into pieces
  • Handful of basil leaves, torn, to serve

Method 

Step 1 – Cook the pasta following pack instructions for 10-12 minutes. 

Step 2 – Put the chilli, shallots, oil, lemon zest, vinegar, sugar and tomatoes into a big mortar or bowl. Add a good amount of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and combine everything together.

Step 3 – Drain the pasta and toss together with the tomato mixture and mozzarella. Scatter over the basil for extra flavour to serve.

What do you know about bees? Does honey and flying from plant to plant spring to mind?

It might surprise you but bees are actually one of the most important organisms in our everyday life! Their pollination is responsible for the survival of over 75% of the world’s plants, and of course, this includes tomatoes.

If you’re wondering, why are bees so important for tomato growing? We’re here to tell you how, and you better bee-lieve us!

Bees maintain the sequence of pollination in our tomato plants and therefore enable them to grow to a better standard. Bees are very beneficial for our tomato plants in that their pollination of plants keeps them healthy. The health of a plant is determined by how bees respond to it. It’s as simple as it sounds, if a plant is healthy, bees will gravitate towards it and take the pollen. Whereas, if a plant is not healthy, the bees won’t bother. So bees are a great indicator as to whether a tomato plant is healthy enough for production and are therefore extremely important for our tomato growing.

Next time you have a tomato from us, you have the bees to thank for its fresh flavour!

Many of us will have had the New Years resolution to eat healthier. This dreaded deal with ourselves can be difficult at times, but delicious food makes it much easier. Try this tomato, burrata and broad bean salad as a healthy dinner that tastes amazing!

Ingredients 

  • 500g tomatoes 
  • 1⁄2 tsp caster sugar
  • 150g broad beans podded
  • handful of basil
  • handful of chives
  • handful of flat leaf parsley
  • 1 tbsp tarragon
  • 1 tbsp lovage
  • 1 tbsp mint leaves
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard 
  • pinch of fennel seeds
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 x 100g burrata or 2 x 125g balls mozzarella
  • 50g hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

Method 

Step 1 – Chop the tomatoes into a mixture of slices and wedges and add them to a bowl.

Step 2 – Toss with 1/2 tsp salt and the sugar, then leave to marinate for 30 minutes. 

Step 3 – Bring a pan of water to boiling level and add the broad beans. Boil for 2 minutes, then drain and allow to cool. Peel them out of their shells and gently squeeze out the shiny green beans.

Step 4 – Finely chop the herbs, then add to a bowl and whisk in the olive oil, mustard, fennel seeds, most of the lemon zest, and red wine vinegar, season, then stir in the broad beans.

Step 5 – Tip the tomatoes onto a serving platter. Top with the burrata, and spoon over the broad bean salsa. Scatter over the hazelnuts and remaining lemon zest to serve.

There you have it, a healthy meal packed with a range of flavours and nutrients!

Even though winter is coming to an end, the cold nights still persist. So why not make this quick and tasty tomato and basil soup to warm yourself up on the last of the cold winter nights?

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 5 soft sun dried or SunBlush tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped
  • 3 x 400g cans plum tomatoes
  • 500ml turkey or vegetable stock
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 142ml pot soured cream
  • 125g pot fresh basil pesto
  • Basil leaves, to serve

Method 

Step 1 – Heat the butter in a large pan and add the garlic. Let the mixture soften for a few minutes over a low heat. 

Step 2 – Add the sundried tomatoes, canned tomatoes, stock, sugar and seasoning, then bring to a simmer. Let the soup bubble for 10 minutes until the tomatoes have broken down.

Step 3 – blend the mixture in a blender, adding half the pot of soured cream as you go. 

Step 4- Taste and add desired seasoning. Serve in bowls with 1 tbsp or so of the pesto swirled on top, a little more soured cream and scatter with basil leaves.

If you’re looking to add some spice to your dishes, look no further! This tangy tomato chutney will add the perfect kick to your meals. 

Ingredients 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 finely chopped onion 
  • 1 crushed garlic clove 
  • 1 tbsp sundried tomato paste 
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes 
  • A pinch of sugar 

Method

Step 1 – Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the finely chopped onion. 

Step 2 – Cook for 5 minutes until softened and stir in the crushed garlic clove.

Step 3 – Cook for another minute then add the sundried tomato paste, the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of sugar. 

Step 4 – Gently cook for 20-25 mins until the paste is thick. Season to taste, then leave to cool before serving.

How easy is that? Give it a try and let us know how you go!

Looking for a wonderful winter warmer dinner? We have just the dish for you! With this creamy tomato, courgette and prawn pasta, you will definitely feel the warmth after a cold January day! 

Ingredients 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil 
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 large baby courgettes, sliced
  • 400g orecchiette pasta, or any other small pasta shape
  • 2 400g cans of cherry tomatoes
  • A good pinch of sugar
  • 200g raw prawn, peeled
  • 100g half- fat creme fraiche  
  • Small pack of basil, leaves only, torn

Method 

  • STEP 1 – Heat the oil in a large pan, then add the garlic and sizzle for a few minutes, add the courgettes and cook until they are starting to soften. Meanwhile, cook the pasta following pack instructions.
  • STEP 2 – Add the tomatoes, sugar and seasoning to the pan, stir and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes while the pasta cooks.
  • STEP 3 – Add the prawns to the sauce and bubble until they just turn pink. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce with the crème fraîche. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, add the basil and serve.

Enjoy!

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to eat better? What better time than January to start a new and healthier diet? R&L Holt are here to help you achieve your goal. Not only do we produce healthy tomatoes, enriched with vitamins and minerals, but they are delicious too! 

Wondering what the health benefits of tomatoes are? Keep reading, we’re going to tell you the 3 main health benefits of tomatoes and how they will be a great addition to your diet!

  1. Tomatoes improve gut and heart health 

The nutrients from tomatoes can improve the microbes in your gut, your microbiome. In turn, this can have positive effects on many aspects of your health. Your gut communicates with other parts of your body, including the brain, with new research suggesting that keeping your internal microbial community healthy is essential for good health.

  1. Tomatoes boost recovery 

If you’ve been feeling under the weather this winter, tomatoes are a great way to boost recovery! This is because the nutrients in tomatoes work to repair any damage in your system, to get you back on track!

  1. Tomatoes are beneficial for overall health 

Tomatoes are rich in nutrients, including plenty of vitamin C, as well as powerful cell protecting antioxidants and compounds. These plant-based nutrients are present in fresh tomatoes making them extremely beneficial for your health. 

Have these three facts tempted you to eat more tomatoes? Head over to our website to read more about the tomatoes we grow and their unique features!  

 

Looking for a taste of summer to brighten up the winter months? Look no further, this linguine with avocado, tomato & lime is the perfect lunch or dinner dish to fill you up with that summer feeling! 

Ingredients 

  • 115g wholemeal linguine
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1 avocado, stoned, peeled, and chopped
  • 2 large, ripe chopped tomatoes 
  • ½ pack fresh coriander, chopped
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped

Method 

  • STEP 1 – Cook your pasta according to pack instructions – usually for between 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, put the lime juice and zest in a medium bowl with the avocado, tomatoes, coriander and onion, and mix well.
  • STEP 2 – Drain the pasta, toss into the bowl and mix well. Serve straight away while still warm, or cold (this is perfect to have as leftovers if you can’t get enough!)