By this time of year in Canberra, those of us with a green thumb are beginning to enjoy the ‘fruits’ of our labour with the first ripe tomatoes of summer. (Yes, we are sticking to our guns on this one – tomato is a fruit!)

And unless you’re fortunate enough to have generous neighbours with an oversupply, head to Market for delicious tomatoes.

Tomatoes are one of the most useful and versatile ingredients in the kitchen – there are so many ways to use them and cook them, and they work fantastically with almost any meal. They are also a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, lycopene and potassium.

At the Market, we’re very lucky to be able to offer fresh tomatoes year-round due to some of our producers who have hydroponic and green house set ups. But in February (weather permitting!), marketgoers can experience the rich flavours of naturally grown varieties, in particular heirloom species.

One of our perennially popular producers, Harrison & Sons, may be famous for their summer peaches and nectarines, but did you know they also sell vegetables including fresh, naturally-grown tomato varieties?

Their fruit and vegetables are all handpicked fresh, with fruit ripening about 2-4 days after it is picked. If your tomato isn’t quite the rich red colour you desire, simply leave them at room temperature or put some in the fridge for a slower ripening process and bring them out later in the week.

Auddino’s Produce and Greenhill Farm will also be at the Market in February with paddock grown tomatoes.

One thing we love about Greenhill Farm is their strong focus on sustainability. In addition to their holistic farming practices, they have planted over 30km of native tree lines, set aside two large areas for native regeneration, and significantly increased the organic content of their soil.

If you want to secure your very own in-season tomatoes, come by the Market on Saturday and visit one of the stallholders we have mentioned, or chat to your favourite producer about how they grow their tomatoes.