Why Summer Tomatoes Taste Better

There’s something undeniably special about a summer tomato. Whether it’s a jewel-bright cherry vine variety or a deep, ribbed heirloom, tomatoes eaten in July and August simply taste better. At S. Thorogood & Sons, this is the time of year we wait for – when our premium tomato lines reach their peak, and flavour truly delivers on all fronts.

The Secret? Sunlight and Time

Tomatoes are sun-loving plants, and the summer heat plays a huge role in unlocking their flavour. When grown in peak sunlight, tomatoes develop a higher concentration of natural sugars, acids and aromatic compounds. These create that perfect balance of sweet, tart and savoury that chefs and customers love.

In cooler months, tomatoes are often picked early and ripened off the vine. In summer, they can ripen slowly and naturally, drawing more nutrients and complexity from the plant and the soil. The result? A tomato that smells like summer and tastes like sunshine.

What We’re Stocking Right Now

We’re proud to offer an exceptional range of British and European tomatoes, each selected for flavour, texture and versatility:

Coloured Cherry Vine Tomatoes – Sweet, juicy and bursting with colour. Perfect for salads, roasting or raw.

Heritage/Heirloom Varieties – Ribbed, streaked or unusually shaped. Full of depth and grown for flavour over uniformity.

Baby Plum & Yellow Cherry – Petite, sweet and ideal for presentation.

Loose Mixed Tomatoes – A vibrant mix for retail displays and chefs who want variety and impact.

These tomatoes are ideal for:

Summer salads

Caprese and antipasti plates

Roasting or slow confit

Sandwiches, sauces and garnishes

Why Seasonal Matters

Tomatoes grown in-season, especially close to home, have fewer food miles, a lighter environmental footprint, and better texture and taste. Supporting seasonal produce also supports growers working with nature, not against it.

Order your tomatoes via Fresho or speak to our team about what’s peaking this week.