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Tomatoes are a staple in many kitchens worldwide, celebrated for their versatility and delicious flavour. Beyond their culinary uses, tomatoes have a fascinating history and some surprising characteristics. Here are five fun facts about tomatoes that might just make you appreciate this beloved fruit even more!

1. Tomatoes Are Fruits, Not Vegetables

One of the most common misconceptions about tomatoes is that they are vegetables. Scientifically speaking, tomatoes are fruits because they develop from the ovary of a flower and contain seeds. More specifically, they are classified as berries. However, in the culinary world, tomatoes are treated as vegetables due to their savoury flavour and common use in salads, sauces, and other savoury dishes.

2. The Largest Tomato on Record

Tomatoes can grow to impressive sizes, but did you know that the largest tomato ever recorded weighed a whopping 10 pounds 12.7 ounces (4.896 kg)? This giant tomato was grown by Dan Sutherland in Walla Walla, Washington, in 2020. The massive tomato was of the Domingo variety, known for producing large fruits. Growing such a huge tomato requires not only a great variety but also optimal growing conditions and a bit of luck!

3. Tomatoes Were Once Feared to Be Poisonous

In the 18th century, tomatoes were often called “poison apples” in Europe. This fear stemmed from the fact that wealthy Europeans who ate tomatoes often fell ill and died. The real culprit was not the tomatoes themselves, but the lead content in the pewter plates commonly used by the wealthy. Tomatoes’ high acidity would leach lead from the plates, causing lead poisoning. This misconception lasted until the 19th century when tomatoes gradually gained popularity as a delicious and safe food.

4. Over 10,000 Varieties of Tomatoes Exist

Tomatoes come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and flavours. There are over 10,000 known varieties of tomatoes, ranging from tiny cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes. They can be red, yellow, orange, green, purple, or even striped. Heirloom varieties, which are open-pollinated and passed down through generations, offer a particularly diverse range of flavours and appearances, making them a favourite among gardeners and food enthusiasts.

5. Tomatoes Are Good for Your Heart

Tomatoes are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients that benefit your health. They are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that consuming tomatoes and tomato-based products can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, both of which are crucial for maintaining a healthy heart.

Heirloom tomatoes are a gardener’s and chef’s delight, known for their rich history, unique flavours, and stunning colours. Unlike hybrid tomatoes, heirlooms are open-pollinated and have been passed down through generations, maintaining their true genetic makeup.

Introduction to Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are cherished not only for their taste but also for their historical and cultural significance. These tomatoes come in a rainbow of colours, shapes, and sizes, each with its own story. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a culinary enthusiast, heirloom tomatoes offer a fascinating journey into the past, packed with flavours that modern hybrids often can’t match.

Popular Heirloom Varieties

Here are some popular heirloom tomato varieties that you might want to consider for your garden or kitchen:

1. Brandywine:
   • Description: Known for its large size and perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, Brandywine tomatoes are often pink with a slightly ribbed shape.
   • Best Uses: Slicing for sandwiches and fresh eating.
2. Cherokee Purple:
   • Description: These tomatoes have a dusky, dark purple colour and a rich, smoky flavour. They are medium to large in size with a smooth texture.
   • Best Uses: Salads, sandwiches, and grilling.
3. Green Zebra:
   • Description: Green Zebra tomatoes are small to medium-sized with green and yellow stripes. They offer a tangy, slightly tart flavour.
   • Best Uses: Salads, salsas, and garnishes.
4. Black Krim:
   • Description: Originating from Crimea, these dark maroon tomatoes are known for their intense, slightly salty flavour.
   • Best Uses: Fresh eating, salads, and sauces.

Growing Tips for Heirloom Tomatoes

Growing heirloom tomatoes can be a rewarding experience, but they do require some specific care to thrive. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Seed Starting:
   • Start heirloom tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a high-quality seed starting mix and keep the soil consistently moist.
2. Soil Preparation:
   • Heirloom tomatoes thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Amend your garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
3. Planting:
   • Transplant seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Plant tomatoes deep, burying two-thirds of the stem to encourage strong root development.
4. Watering:
   • Water tomatoes deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
5. Pruning and Staking:
   • Prune suckers (the shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to promote better air circulation and reduce disease risk. Use stakes or cages to support the plants and keep the fruits off the ground.
6. Pest and Disease Management:
   • Monitor plants regularly for pests like aphids and tomato hornworms. Use organic pest control methods and practice crop rotation to minimize disease problems.

Whiteflies are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can wreak havoc on tomatoes and other plants in glasshouses, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and reduced yields. Controlling these pests is essential to maintaining a healthy and thriving greenhouse environment. In this blog, we will explore three effective points to combat whitefly infestations and protect your precious plants.

1.Implement Biological Control Methods: Biological control is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to managing whitefly populations in glasshouses. By introducing natural predators and parasites, you can create a balanced ecosystem that keeps whiteflies in check. Here are some beneficial insects to consider:

Encarsia Formosa: This tiny parasitic wasp is a natural enemy of whiteflies. Encarsia formosa lays its eggs inside whitefly nymphs, eventually killing them. Release these wasps early in the season when whiteflies are just starting to appear.

Ladybirds: Ladybirds are voracious predators of whitefly eggs, larvae, and adults. They can be released in glasshouses to control whitefly populations effectively.

2. Practice Good Cultural Management: Proper cultural practices can significantly reduce the chances of whitefly infestations and keep your plants healthier overall. Consider the following steps:

Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for early signs of whitefly infestations, such as tiny white insects on the undersides of leaves or yellowing foliage. Early detection allows for timely action to prevent the infestation from spreading.

Remove Infested Leaves: At the first signs of whitefly presence, remove and dispose of infested leaves promptly to prevent the insects from spreading to other parts of the glasshouse.

Maintain Cleanliness: Whiteflies are attracted to sticky residues and honeydew secretions left behind by aphids and other pests. Keep your glasshouse clean by regularly removing debris and controlling other pests to discourage whitefly infestations.

3.Use Horticultural Oils and Soaps: Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps are effective, low-toxicity options for controlling whiteflies in glasshouses. These products suffocate the pests, making them a safe choice for indoor environments. Here’s how to use them:

Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Read and follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Apply the horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as directed, ensuring even coverage on the undersides of leaves where whiteflies often hide.

Repeat Applications: Since horticultural oils and soaps primarily target the adult whiteflies and not their eggs, repeat applications may be necessary to control subsequent generations.

Test on a Small Area: Before applying horticultural oils or soaps to your entire glasshouse, test them on a small section of your plants to check for any adverse effects.

Implement these strategies to maintain the health and productivity of your precious plants in your glasshouse!

Sustainability is a critical concept that emphasises the preservation of natural resources. It encompasses various aspects, such as environmental, economic, and social considerations, all working together to create a balanced and harmonious ecosystem. The importance of sustainability cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in addressing pressing global challenges.

At R&L Holt, we recognise the importance of sustainable practices and use it in our work as much as we can. Here’s what we do at R&L Holt to do our bit for the environment:

• We use recycled woodchip in boilers to provide hot water to heat the glasshouses which is stored in buffer tanks.
• Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of an anaerobic digestor is used in the crops to aid photosynthesis.
• Solar panels provide the power to run pumps that irrigate the crops and climate control helps to ensure we are not wasting energy.
• Thermal screens keep heat in the glasshouse, but also help to shade the crops during bright weather.
• LED lighting uses up to 40% less electricity than conventional lighting that is powered by on site CHP plants. This reduces the requirement to import power and therefore not rely on the National Grid supply.

We are always looking for ways we can work more sustainably and are striving for a greener future.