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.

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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

Tomato, cheese and bread pudding the tomato stall
(Claire Thomson and The Tomato Stall)

This tomato, bread and cheese pudding makes for a warming pick-me-up, perfect for autumn.

Garam masala cherry tomatoes

Garam masala cherry tomatoes from Ferment by Mark Diacono
Garam masala cherry tomatoes (Mark Diacono/PA)

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

Tomato and Sweetcorn Fritters
(© thetomatostall.co.uk)

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

Tomato & Cheese Muffins
(© The Tomato Stall)

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

BBQ Blue mackerel and burnt tomato on toast from THE WHOLE FISH COOKBOOK: New ways to cook, eat and drink by Josh Niland (Hardie Grant/Rob Palmer/PA)
(Hardie Grant/Rob Palmer/PA)

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 crab, tomato & saffron tart (Laura Edwards/PA)
Diana Henry’s crab, tomato & saffron tart (Laura Edwards/PA)

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

Hot and cold pickled tomatoes with chilli yoghurt from Life Kitchen by Ryan Riley.
(Clare Winfield/Bloomsbury/PA)

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

Pilaf stuffed tomatoes
(Laura Edwards/PA)

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.

Bestseller No. 1
Westland Big Tom Tomato Planter Large Grow Bag Seaweed enriched
  • Westland Big Tom Tomato Planter Large Grow Bag Seaweed enriched
  • Product type: FERTILIZER
  • Brand: Westland
Bestseller No. 2
simpahome Tomato Planter Nutrient Enriched Compost Grow Bags - 2 x Deep Fill Grow Bags - Upto 8...
  • Grow yourself an excellent batch of tomatoes with our deep fill tomato grow bags.
  • Each bag is bursting with a nutrient enriched up to 8-week feed formula for a flavoursome increased crop.
  • Suitable for use in growing tomatoes and most types of fruits and vegetables.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Levington | Original Gro-Bag | 3 plant size
  • Perfect for Vegetable Crops
  • Ideal for growing tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, cucumbers, green beans and melons
  • The Original Gro-Bag, est. 1973
Bestseller No. 4
Pack of 2 Growmoor Tomato Compost Bag 24L Planter Grow Soil Plant Flowers Vegetables Home Garden...
  • Package Include: 2x 24L Plant Grow Bag
  • Our Salads Grower Bag along with our 3 Plant are packed with Better Growing’s premium mix of environmentally friendly compost
  • Incorporating a mix of peats and John Innes with high levels of fertilization
Bestseller No. 5
Lizaa Growmoor Compost Soil 3 Plant Growbag Organic Fertilisers 24L Fast Tomato Planter Grow Bag...
  • The 3 plant grow bag from Growmoor contains the unique blend of nutrients which encourages both healthy root development and stress resistance to produce vigorous and healthy plants.
  • The growbag is a versatile planting bag which can be used anywhere from a windowsill to the greenhouse for growing flowers, fruit or vegetables.
  • The growbag has been packed with a premium grade growing medium, incorporating a special blend with high levels of fertilizer that help produce fantastic results.
Bestseller No. 6
Mactoou Tomato Grow Bags 7 Gallon, 5 Pack Thickened NonWoven Plant Container Pot Pouch with Handles...
  • 🌱Promote Root Formation: Our grow bags for vegetables are made of high quality nonwoven fabric prevents roots from circling and enhance root structure to promote healthy root development.
  • 🌱Breathable and Drainage: Tomato grow bags have excellent drainage eliminating problems with over watering, soil will be moist but not too wet.
  • 🌱Grow healthily and freely: The grow bag provided a suitable temperature and humidity for plant growing, suitable for planting potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, onions, beans, fruits, flowers and so on.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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