Did you know that when the tomato plant first came to the British Isles in the late 16th Century it was used predominantly as a decorative plant as its fruit was believed to be poisonous? Thankfully, someone clearly took a risk and now we know better!
Country of Origin - Italy
Class - Minimum Class 2
We get our tomatoes from a number of different growers but when the UK season is over we rely on Luis Olcina in Andalucía in the South of Spain. The home of flamenco music, it seems, is also the home of the amazing tasting tomato. Many are also grown in the nutrient rich soil of south east Sicily between Mount Etna and the Mediterranean. Vittorio based in Marina di Ragusa is a specialist grower and raises many of the more beautiful and unusual varieties of tomato. We work with this company throughout the season and also take melons and peppers for our boxes too.
Containing vitamins E, C and beta-carotene, tomatoes are a useful antioxidant. Antioxidants have been shown to lower risk of several forms of cancer, as well as heart disease and cataracts.
There is no need to do more than a quick rinse before slicing, to add to a salad. Some people prefer to remove the skin; some recipes may also require this. Place the tomatoes in very hot water and wait until the skin begins to peel away naturally, remove and, when cool enough, peel completely. The older the tomato, the softer it is. Keep in the fridge and use as soon as you can, if you like to eat your tomatoes whilst they are still firm.
Stuck for ideas? Click here for Tomato recipes