Category: News

Good food doesn’t have to be expensive. Using tinned ingredients, seasonal produce and simple recipes can keep costs low while still enjoying nutritious meals.

Budget-friendly staples:

• Tinned tomatoes

• Pasta & rice

• Beans & lentils

• Frozen vegetables

Smart shopping leads to better eating and less stress.

With food prices continuing to rise, reducing waste at home has never been more important. Not only does it save money, but it also helps reduce environmental impact and makes food shopping more efficient.

Here are five simple, realistic ways to cut food waste this February.

1. Plan Your Meals for the Week

One of the biggest causes of food waste is buying without a plan. Creating a simple weekly meal plan helps you only buy what you actually need.

Even writing down:

• 3 main dinners

• 2 lunches

• A few easy breakfasts

can prevent overbuying and impulse purchases.

2. Use Your Freezer More Often

The freezer is one of the most underused tools in the kitchen.

You can freeze:

• Bread

• Leftover meals

• Cooked rice and pasta

• Soups and sauces

Freezing food extends its life and gives you quick meals on busy days.

3. Rely on Tinned and Long-Life Foods

Tinned foods like tomatoes, beans and vegetables have long shelf lives and reduce the pressure of using food quickly.

They’re ideal for:

• Last-minute meals

• Batch cooking

• Emergency dinners when the fridge is empty

Keeping a well-stocked cupboard helps avoid takeaway temptations too.

4. Store Food Correctly

Incorrect storage causes food to spoil faster than necessary.

Simple tips:

• Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place

• Store herbs in water like flowers

• Use airtight containers for leftovers

• Don’t overfill the fridge

A well-organised fridge makes it easier to see what needs using.

5. Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftovers don’t have to be boring.

Leftover vegetables can become:

• Soups

• Stir-fries

• Pasta sauces

• Omelettes

Leftover meals can often be mixed together into something new with a little creativity.

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in British kitchens. They’re affordable, nutritious and can be used in hundreds of meals – from soups and sauces to curries and casseroles.

Benefits include:

• High in Vitamin C

• Low in calories

• Long shelf life

• Suitable for most diets

Keeping a few tins in the cupboard makes meal planning far easier.

A new year brings an opportunity to reflect and plan. At R&L Holt, sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do.

From reducing energy usage to improving growing efficiencies and supporting local supply chains, the focus for the year ahead is progress — environmentally, socially and agriculturally.

January marks the beginning of another year of responsible growing and commitment to quality.

January often brings a renewed focus on health, and tomatoes remain a valuable part of a balanced winter diet.

Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and natural flavour, tomatoes support immunity and add brightness to winter meals. Their versatility makes healthy eating easier during darker months.

Small food choices can make a big difference to how we feel in January.

While January may be quiet in the fields, it’s a busy time inside the greenhouse. Careful monitoring ensures tomatoes continue to grow strong and healthy throughout winter.

Growers focus on temperature control, light levels and plant maintenance during colder months. Pruning, feeding and pest management all play a crucial role in maintaining consistent quality.

Every tomato grown in January reflects planning, expertise and attention to detail.

As the year draws to a close, December is a perfect time to reflect on the successes, challenges, and achievements of the past 12 months. At R&L Holt, we’re grateful for the support of our customers, partners, and communities.

This year brought innovation in our growing systems, strengthened partnerships with retailers, and continued commitment to sustainable farming. We’ve worked hard to deliver high-quality tomatoes to households across the UK — even through challenging weather and rising demand.

We also want to thank the dedicated team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make year-round growing possible.

Wishing everyone a joyful, restful festive season. Here’s to a fresh, vibrant, and tomato-filled 2026!

Ever wondered how fresh, flavourful tomatoes are available even during the chilliest months? Greenhouse growing plays a major role in supporting British consumers throughout winter.

• Controlled temperatures protect crops from extreme weather.
• Efficient irrigation systems reduce water waste.
• Integrated pest management minimises chemical use.
• Sustainable heating keeps vines healthy during the coldest months.
• Local distribution ensures tomatoes reach shops quickly, preserving freshness.

December is a tough month for traditional farming, but innovative growing techniques allow R&L Holt to deliver high-quality produce year-round.

Greenhouse farming not only benefits consumers, it contributes to a more sustainable UK food system.

Did you know tomatoes often lose their flavour when stored incorrectly? In winter, when kitchen temperatures vary, proper storage is even more important. Here’s how to keep your tomatoes fresh and tasty for longer.

• Avoid the fridge: Cold temperatures dull flavour. Store tomatoes at room temperature whenever possible.
• Keep them stem-side down: This reduces air exposure and slows spoilage.
• Use breathable bowls: Avoid plastic bags; instead, store in ceramic bowls or on a countertop.
• Separate overly ripe tomatoes: One overripe tomato can speed up ripening of others.

Winter homes may feel cooler, but as long as tomatoes are kept away from draughts, they maintain their texture and flavour beautifully.

Proper storage means less waste — and more delicious meals made with R&L Holt tomatoes.

December might not be peak tomato season in the UK, but thanks to modern growing methods, you can still enjoy nutrient-rich, flavourful British tomatoes. Here’s why choosing fresh, responsibly grown tomatoes matters even during the winter months.

• Nutritional boost: Tomatoes remain a top source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene — all essential for immune support during cold and flu season.
• Sustainability: Choosing tomatoes grown locally reduces food miles compared to imported winter produce.
• Consistency: Controlled growing means reliable freshness, flavour, and quality, even when the weather outside is frosty.
• Versatility: Tomatoes can brighten hearty winter dishes such as stews, bakes, and festive platters.

This December, don’t overlook the humble tomato, it’s a small choice that supports local growers and boosts your winter wellbeing.