British Tomato Fortnight

British Tomato Fortnight is an exciting time that celebrates the peak season for homegrown tomatoes in the UK. This event highlights the wonderful flavors and health benefits of British tomatoes, encouraging everyone to enjoy this versatile fruit in various dishes!

How to Celebrate British Tomato Fortnight

Host a Tomato Tasting Party

Gather friends for a tomato-tasting extravaganza! Everyone brings a different variety to sample. Line up those tomatoes and see which one steals the show. Include a few fun facts about each type, and let the flavor fiesta begin!

Create Tomato-themed Dishes

Get those creative culinary juices flowing! Whip up some tomato-inspired recipes. Try your hand at tomato gazpacho, tangy salsa, or even a classic Caprese salad. Experiment with new dishes and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors.

Visit Local Tomato Farms

Plan a day trip to nearby tomato farms. Enjoy a tour and learn how these juicy gems are grown. Many farms offer pick-your-own tomato experiences. Nothing beats the taste of tomatoes straight from the vine!

Share on Social Media

Spread the tomato love online! Snap pictures of your tomato adventures and share them with friends. Use hashtags to join in on the celebration. Challenge friends to share their own tomato moments.

Support Local Markets

Head to your local farmers’ market and load up on fresh, British-grown tomatoes. Chat with growers and learn their best tomato tips. Your support helps local farmers and ensures you get the freshest produce around​.

Why Observe British Tomato Fortnight

This two-week period is filled with fun activities like tomato-tasting sessions and cooking workshops, making it an engaging time for families and food enthusiasts alike.

The main reason for celebrating British Tomato Fortnight is to promote locally grown tomatoes, which boast superior taste and nutritional value.

British tomatoes are often grown in greenhouses, using sustainable practices that reduce the need for chemical pesticides and conserve water. These practices not only protect the environment but also ensure that the tomatoes are fresh and full of flavor when they reach consumers.

Supporting British Tomato Fortnight also means supporting local farmers and the economy. Buying British tomatoes helps sustain local agriculture, provides jobs, and boosts rural economies. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh produce while contributing to environmental sustainability and local communities.

History of British Tomato Fortnight

British Tomato Fortnight was started to highlight the delicious, locally grown tomatoes in the UK. The British Tomato Growers’ Association (BTGA) launched this event to promote the benefits of British tomatoes and support local farmers.

The campaign began gaining attention due to the combined efforts of the association and various partners in the food industry. The event usually takes place at the peak of the tomato season, focusing on the end of May and early June. This timing ensures that the freshest and most flavorful tomatoes are available.

The BTGA and its partners use this period to educate the public about the nutritional benefits of tomatoes and the importance of sustainable farming practices​. British Tomato Fortnight celebrates the vibrant and tasty varieties of tomatoes and emphasizes the innovative and eco-friendly methods used by British farmers. These methods include using rainwater for irrigation and natural predators for pest control.

The campaign aims to reduce the carbon footprint of food production and promote local consumption, which supports the UK’s agricultural economy and reduces the need for imports.