Category: News

There’s something special about British-grown tomatoes — and this June, we get to celebrate them in all their glory once again.

Mark your diaries: 1st to 14th June 2026, because British Tomato Fortnight is back!

This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the incredible quality, flavour, and sustainability of tomatoes grown right here in the UK. At R & L Holt, we’re proud to support British growers and bring you the freshest, most flavourful tomatoes possible.

Why British Tomatoes Matter

British tomatoes are grown with care, often in controlled environments that ensure consistent quality while reducing food miles. By choosing British, you’re not only enjoying superior taste but also supporting local agriculture and reducing environmental impact.

What Makes Them So Good?

• Picked at peak ripeness
• Packed with flavour
• Grown sustainably
• Supporting UK farmers

Whether you’re slicing them into salads, roasting them for depth, or blending them into sauces, British tomatoes truly are the star of the kitchen.

Join the Celebration

Over the fortnight, we’ll be sharing:

• Delicious tomato recipes
• Storage and prep tips
• Grower stories
• Inspiration for every meal

Keep an eye on our website and social channels so you don’t miss out.

Let’s celebrate British produce together this June 🍅

Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend — it’s a smarter way to shop and cook.

Key Benefits:

Better Taste

Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak, meaning more flavour.

More Nutrients

Fresher produce retains more vitamins and minerals.

Lower Environmental Impact

Less transportation = lower carbon footprint.

Supports Local Growers

Buying seasonal helps UK farmers thrive.

At R & L Holt, we’re passionate about bringing you produce at its best — and that starts with seasonality.

April is a transitional month for food. We move away from heavy winter dishes and begin embracing lighter, fresher meals.

Eating seasonally isn’t just about taste—it’s about:

• Better flavour
• Supporting local produce
• More nutritious meals

Tomatoes play a key role in this shift. They’re fresh, vibrant, and incredibly versatile, making them ideal for spring cooking.

By focusing on seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, you naturally create meals that suit the time of year—lighter, brighter, and full of flavour.

If you’ve got tomatoes in your kitchen and don’t know what to do with them, here are five easy ideas:

1. Add them to salads
2. Roast them for extra flavour
3. Stir into pasta sauces
4. Blend into soups
5. Use in traybakes

April is all about simplicity—fresh ingredients, quick recipes, and meals that feel lighter but still satisfying.

Tomatoes are one of the easiest ways to transform everyday meals.

As we step into April, tomatoes begin to shine in seasonal cooking. While they’re available year-round, spring marks the return of lighter, fresher dishes—and tomatoes are at the heart of them.

They’re incredibly versatile—working in soups, salads, pasta dishes, and roasted meals. They also pair beautifully with other spring ingredients like spinach, basil, and new potatoes.

From a nutritional point of view, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.

April is the perfect time to start incorporating more tomato-based meals as we move away from heavier winter comfort food.

Lighter evenings are arriving, and that means one thing — it’s time to start entertaining again.

Tomatoes are a brilliant centrepiece ingredient for spring gatherings. They’re colourful, versatile and easy to prepare ahead of time.

Here’s how to build a relaxed spring table:

• A large platter of roasted tomatoes with sausages or grilled chicken

• Fresh tomato and herb salad

• Homemade tomato chutney for burgers

• Warm crusty bread

Tomatoes add colour and freshness that instantly make a table feel seasonal.

Keep it simple, focus on quality and let fresh ingredients do the work.

Spring entertaining doesn’t need to be complicated — just thoughtful.

Tomatoes are at their best when paired with quality ingredients.

Their natural acidity cuts through rich meats beautifully — which is why they work so well alongside sausages, burgers, steaks and roasts.

When you choose quality meat:

• The flavour is fuller

• The texture cooks better

• You need fewer added ingredients

Add fresh tomatoes — whether roasted, fresh or slow-cooked — and you create balance on the plate.

Spring cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. A good cut of meat, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and herbs can create something truly special.

At R & L Holt, quality ingredients are always at the heart of every meal.

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen — and as we head into spring, they bring freshness, colour and natural sweetness to so many dishes.

Here are 5 easy ways to make the most of them:

1. Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

Roast with olive oil and garlic until soft and caramelised. Perfect alongside grilled meats.

2. Fresh Tomato & Basil Salad

Keep it simple — sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil and sea salt. A perfect side for steak or chicken.

3. Tomato & Sausage Pasta

Roasted tomatoes stirred through pasta with sliced sausages create a rich, natural sauce.

4. Stuffed Tomatoes

Fill large tomatoes with herby mince and bake for a lighter evening meal.

5. Homemade Tomato Relish

The perfect accompaniment to burgers or sandwiches.

Tomatoes work beautifully with quality meat, enhancing flavour without overpowering it.

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.