When are British tomatoes in season?
British tomatoes are famous for their flavour. They’re only sold here in the UK, cutting the distance between the glasshouse and your fork, so varieties are primarily chosen for their taste. They’re also left on the vine for longer, developing as much flavour as possible.
So, when can you get British tomatoes at their very best – and where can you find them?
British tomatoes are generally in season from the start of spring until the end of autumn. And thanks to some innovative modern growing techniques, British tomatoes can be found year-round. They’re an adaptable ingredient, perfect for all sorts of cuisine – from summer salads to hearty dishes for chillier weather.
You’ll find British tomatoes at all major supermarkets, both in store and online, and some farm shops and independent stores. Look out for British labelling.
The British tomato is a powerhouse of nutrition
Because they spend more time on the vine, British tomatoes aren’t just extra tasty, they’re extra nutritious too.
They’re packed full of vitamins A, C and E – which combine to help keep your skin, bones and teeth in top condition, as well as boosting your immune system and helping to maintain good gut health.
British tomatoes are also extremely high in a cancer-fighting compound called lycopene.
Studies have linked diets that are high in lycopene with lower incidents of prostate cancer – the second biggest cause of death among men in the Western world. Lycopene may also help reduce the risk of lung and stomach cancer. Research also suggests that lycopene might help prevent breast cancer.
Interested in the health benefits of eating tomatoes? Check out this article all about tomato nutrition, by our very own technical officer, Dr Phil Morley.
They’re sustainable too
Buying British can reduce food miles in comparison to imported produce. And British growers are an innovative bunch. From nourishing crops with rainwater to using bumblebees to pollinate the plants, they’re always refining their super-efficient growing techniques to work with nature, rather than against it.
Delicious ways to get more British tomatoes in your diet
We’ve got a huge range of delicious tomato recipes, so eating more British tomatoes couldn’t be easier. Many of the recipes are really quick and inexpensive, helping your time and money go further. Check out our tomato recipes.
Find out more about tomatoes
Where did they originate from? Should you put them in a fruit salad? How many tonnes of toms do we eat in the UK each year? Check out these fascinating tomato facts to find the answer to all these questions and more.