Greenhouse Tomatoes

Tomatoes taste best when they're in season in late summer, but if you just can't wait, give local greenhouse tomatoes a try.

Related To:

tomatoes

145908670

Red tomatoes

Photo by: Stefano Tiraboschi

Stefano Tiraboschi

I make it a point to only eat tomatoes when they’re in season.  After spending the summer months eating sweet and juicy tomatoes from the local farmers market and my own garden, there’s just no going back to those dull and flavorless ones at the grocery store. So how was I able to make my favorite tomato sandwich for lunch yesterday? It’s all thanks to a local farmer's greenhouse.

Soil, Seeds and … Fire?

So how is it possible to have freshly grown tomatoes in Connecticut in May? My favorite local farm has a wood-fired greenhouse that keeps plants warm and allows them to grow tomatoes months ahead of their normal growing season –- how cool  is that?!

I won’t even pretend to fully understand the delicate balance of light, temperature, water and soil (and firewood) required to plant tomatoes indoors as early as February. Only certain varieties prosper in these conditions –- the classic Beefsteak is a popular greenhouse farmer choice. Even the greenhouse itself needs to be extra sturdy to support such hardy plants.

So, How Do They Taste?

My greenhouse tomatoes taste like what they are: amazingly fresh tomatoes. I'll admit they are missing the slightest hint of that mid-summer tomato flavor, but I’ll happily eat them on tomato sandwiches until the summer ones are here.

Where to Find Greenhouse Tomatoes

Grocery stores may also have greenhouse tomatoes –- they are sometimes referred to as “hot house” tomatoes. If they came from a local source, give them a try. If they were flown in from thousands of miles away, you might want to wait until they show up at your farmers' market.

To find a farm growing greenhouse tomatoes near you, ask around at your local farmers’ market or search at localharvest.org.

TELL US: Have you ever had a greenhouse tomato?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

You Might Also Like:

Next Up

The Best Way to Store Tomatoes

Just how bad is it to refrigerate your tomatoes?

Yes, You Can Freeze Tomatoes in 3 Different Ways

Stretch tomato season indefinitely with these easy tips.

How to Can Tomatoes

Right this way to jarred essence of summer. Food Network Kitchen's tested, detailed method that walks you through all the safety measures necessary.

Oishii Releases the Rubī, a New Shiny, Red Luxury Tomato

The vertical farm trailblazer is expanding beyond its famous omakase strawberries.

Everything to Know About Tomatoes

How to choose, cut, store and cook these juicy jewels of summer.

How to Use Your Produce Before It Goes Bad

The best ways to use whatever fruits and vegetables you have on hand.

3 Tricks to Start Planning Your Meals Around Vegetables

Burnt out by your meal prep strategy? Start thinking veggies-first, and you'll plan meals with greater variety and probably save a little money too.

What Is Celtuce?

This versatile vegetable is a nutritious powerhouse.

The Best Vegetables to Eat When You're Trying to Lose Weight

Here are seven especially super veggies when you're slimming down.

Why You Need to Store Your Onions and Potatoes Separately

The surprising reason these two pantry staples need to be kept apart.