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
Our tomatoes are grown in the nutrient rich soil of south east Sicily between Mount Etna and the Mediterranean. Our grower Vittorio based in Marina di Ragusa is a specialist grower and raises many of the more beautiful and unusual varieties. We work with this company throughout the season and also take melons and peppers for our boxes too. They recycle rainwater to use in their irrigation.
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