Welcome to the celebration of British Tomato Fortnight! Here in the UK, our affection for the ‘tom’ is unparalleled. According to the British Tomato Growers’ Association, we devour approximately half a million tonnes of these juicy delights every year. In tomato terms, that’s the equivalent of relishing two classic British tomatoes weekly, which adds up to over 100 per year.
Interestingly, about one-fifth of these tomatoes, we so heartily enjoy are proudly grown on our home soil. British tomatoes have long been celebrated for their flavour, primarily because the varieties are handpicked based on taste rather than mere durability. Since they’re locally sold, they can spend more time on the vine, soaking up all the sun and nutrients they can to bring you the most flavourful bite.
But it’s not just about taste. Tomatoes are packed with health benefits – they’re bursting with nutrition that bolsters immunity, promotes heart health, and may even protect against certain types of cancer.
Here are some of our favourite tomato recipes to celebrate our homegrown toms’ brilliance.
Isle of Wight tomatoes, bread and cheese pudding
This tomato, bread and cheese pudding makes for a warming pick-me-up, perfect for autumn.
Garam masala cherry tomatoes
Food writer Mark Diacono shows us how delicious fermented foods can be. This fermented cherry tomato recipe is simple and tasty
Tomato and sweetcorn fritters
These colourful fritters make the perfect breakfast or brunch dish. Use sweet Isle of Wight cherry vine tomatoes for extra flavour.
Tomato and cheese muffins
Muffins don’t have to be sweet to be delicious. Try these savoury cheese and tomato muffins – perfect for brunches, picnics and lunchboxes.
Josh Niland’s BBQ blue mackerel and burnt tomato on toast
For a seriously sophisticated lunch, this dressing is a delicious accompaniment for richer flavoured fish like mackerel.
Diana Henry’s crab, tomato and saffron tart
Diana Henry’s delicious and light crab, tomato and saffron tart is perfect for a summer lunch with friends or an easy supper.
How to make hot and cold pickled tomatoes with chilli yoghurt
Vinegar’s sweet tanginess pairs well with the savouriness of the tomatoes, creating something beautifully balanced and the chilli yoghurt adds a zing.
How to make Rita Serano’s pilaf-stuffed tomatoes
These tomatoes are perfect for a shared meal with friends says vegan expert Rita Serano. Easy to prepare in advance, they make a healthy, tasty meal.
You may be interested in…
Best-selling tomato grow bags
Looking to grow your own tomatoes? Check out our list of best-selling growbags.
No products found.
This article may include affiliate links to products and services where we may receive a small fee to support the running of this site if you make a purchase or is a sponsored article from one of our select editorial partners providing valuable advice and information to our readers.
