Category: News

When you pick up a pack of tomatoes at the supermarket, it’s easy to forget just how much has happened before they reach the shelf.

Every tomato begins its journey as a small yellow flower.

But how does that flower eventually become the ripe tomato on your plate?

It All Starts With a Flower

Tomato plants produce clusters of small yellow flowers.

Pollination is an important part of the process, helping those flowers begin their transformation into fruit.

Once successful fruit set takes place, the petals eventually fall away and a tiny green tomato begins developing behind the flower.

Growing Green

During the early stages, tomatoes are green and gradually increase in size.

This is an important period of development, with the plant directing resources towards the growing fruit.

Behind the scenes, growers carefully manage the crop and growing environment to support consistent development.

The Colour Begins to Change

Eventually, something exciting happens.

The tomato begins to change colour.

Depending on the variety, the fruit progresses through different stages as it ripens, gradually developing the colour, texture and flavour associated with a ripe tomato.

For red varieties, this means moving from green through lighter shades before eventually reaching their characteristic red colour.

Knowing When to Harvest

Different tomato varieties may be harvested in slightly different ways.

For example, when harvesting tomatoes as a complete truss, growers need to consider the ripeness of the fruit across that truss.

We’ve previously shared how our Piccolo tomatoes are carefully monitored so they’re harvested at the right stage.

Timing matters because allowing tomatoes to develop appropriately helps achieve the flavour and quality customers expect.

More Than Just Planting and Picking

Growing tomatoes involves continuous attention throughout the life of the crop.

From pollination and plant care to monitoring ripening and finally harvesting, there are many stages between the first yellow flower and the finished tomato.

So next time you enjoy a British tomato, take a closer look.

What you’re holding started life as one tiny yellow flower. 🌼🍅

Before a tomato ever reaches your plate, there’s an important stage that needs to happen in the glasshouse: pollination.

Tomato plants produce beautiful yellow flowers, but for those flowers to successfully develop into tomatoes, pollen needs to move within the flower.

It’s a fascinating part of the growing process and one that ultimately contributes to the crop we harvest.

From Flower to Tomato

Every tomato starts life as a flower.

Tomato flowers contain both male and female reproductive structures. For fruit to begin developing, pollen needs to reach the receptive part of the flower.

In the natural world, movement from wind and insects can help this process.

In commercial glasshouse growing, however, growers need reliable pollination across large numbers of plants.

The Buzz Behind Tomato Growing

One fascinating solution used widely in glasshouse tomato production is bumblebee pollination.

Bumblebees are particularly well suited to tomato flowers because of something known as buzz pollination.

They grip onto a flower and vibrate their flight muscles, helping release pollen from the flower.

As they move between flowers, they help support effective pollination throughout the crop.

Why Good Pollination Is Important

Successful pollination is an important step towards good fruit development.

Without adequate pollination, flowers may fail to set fruit properly, affecting the development and consistency of the crop.

It’s another reminder that producing a tomato involves far more than simply providing a plant with water and waiting for it to grow.

Working With Natural Processes

Modern glasshouse growing combines technology, experience and natural processes.

We’ve previously shared some of the ways beneficial insects can play a role in managing pests. Pollination provides another fascinating example of how insects can contribute to tomato production.

From the moment the first flowers appear to the day ripe tomatoes are harvested, every stage requires careful management.

So the next time you enjoy a tomato, remember – its journey started with one little yellow flower and a very important process happening behind the scenes.

You’ve brought home a pack of beautiful fresh tomatoes – but where do you put them?

For many of us, the automatic answer is the fridge. However, how you store tomatoes can make a difference to their texture, flavour and how quickly they ripen.

Here are a few things to consider when storing your tomatoes at home.

Think About Ripeness First

Before deciding where to store your tomatoes, take a look at how ripe they are.

If your tomatoes still need some time to ripen, keeping them at room temperature can allow that process to continue.

Place them somewhere away from intense direct sunlight and allow them time to develop.

What About the Fridge?

Once tomatoes are fully ripe, refrigeration can be useful if you need to slow down further ripening and keep them for longer.

However, very cold temperatures can temporarily dull some of the aroma and flavour we associate with a ripe tomato.

If you’ve refrigerated ripe tomatoes, try taking them out before you plan to eat them and allowing them to come back towards room temperature.

Handle Them With Care

Tomatoes may look sturdy, but ripe fruit can bruise relatively easily.

Avoid piling heavy items on top of them and check your tomatoes regularly so you can use the ripest ones first.

Buy What You’ll Use

One of the simplest ways to enjoy tomatoes at their best is to buy an amount you’re likely to use.

If you do find yourself with tomatoes that have become very ripe, don’t automatically throw them away. Provided they’re still safe to eat, softer ripe tomatoes can be fantastic for cooking.

Roast them, turn them into a sauce or add them to a cooked dish rather than letting them go to waste.

Enjoy Them at Their Best

A huge amount of care goes into growing and harvesting a tomato, so it makes sense to look after it once it reaches your kitchen too.

Understanding how ripeness and temperature affect your tomatoes can help you get more flavour from every pack while reducing unnecessary food waste.

A tomato is a tomato… right?

Not quite!

Walk through a supermarket and you’ll probably find everything from tiny cherry tomatoes to large beef tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine and beautifully sweet speciality varieties.

Although they all belong to the tomato family, different varieties can offer very different flavours, textures and uses.

Understanding those differences can help you choose the right tomato for your next meal.

Cherry Tomatoes

Small, sweet and incredibly versatile, cherry tomatoes are ideal when you want plenty of flavour without much preparation.

They’re fantastic eaten raw in salads, added to lunchboxes or roasted whole. Their small size also means they work particularly well on skewers or as part of sharing dishes.

Plum Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes tend to have an oval shape and a firm, fleshy texture.

Because they generally contain plenty of flesh, they’re particularly useful for cooking. Try them in sauces, casseroles and slow-cooked dishes where you want a rich tomato flavour.

Beef Tomatoes

As their name suggests, beef tomatoes are the larger members of the tomato family.

Their generous size makes them perfect for slicing. Add them to burgers and sandwiches or serve thick slices as part of a salad.

They’re also ideal when the tomato itself needs to be the centrepiece of a dish.

Vine Tomatoes

Vine tomatoes are sold while still attached to their vine and are popular for their aroma, colour and versatility.

They’re a great all-rounder and can be enjoyed raw, roasted or cooked into your favourite recipes.

Speciality Tomatoes

There’s also a whole world of speciality tomatoes to discover.

Varieties such as Piccolo tomatoes are prized for their sweetness and flavour. Their smaller size makes them ideal for snacking, salads and dishes where you really want the natural tomato flavour to shine.

Which Tomato Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there’s no wrong answer.

Some tomatoes are better suited to cooking, while others are fantastic eaten exactly as they are. Experimenting with different varieties can completely change the flavour and texture of familiar recipes.

At R & L Holt, understanding individual varieties is an important part of growing tomatoes. Different plants can have different requirements throughout the growing process, which is why knowledge, experience and careful crop management are so important.

Next time you’re shopping for tomatoes, why not pick up a variety you haven’t tried before?

You might just discover a new favourite.

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.

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.

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.

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.