Fresh Ontario field tomatoes are now arriving at the Ontario Food Terminal, bringing peak summer flavour, vibrant colour and one of the most anticipated harvests of the local growing season.
Few crops capture the taste of an Ontario summer quite like field tomatoes. Whether they’re piled onto burgers, tossed into fresh salads or transformed into homemade sauces, Ontario field tomatoes have long been a seasonal favourite for chefs, retailers and home cooks alike. Now, after a slightly delayed start to the growing season, the first field tomatoes are arriving at the Ontario Food Terminal and making their way to customers across the province.
The crop is off to a strong start, with quality expected to improve even further as the season reaches its peak over the next couple of weeks.
Why field tomatoes are worth the wait
Greenhouse tomatoes are available throughout much of the year, but many buyers wait patiently for Ontario field tomatoes to arrive. One reason is simple: flavour.
Unlike greenhouse tomatoes, field tomatoes are grown under natural sunlight and are harvested when they’re ready to eat, helping them develop the rich flavour and deep red colour that many consumers associate with a true summer tomato.
“They’re picked ready to use and grown in natural sunlight.”
Field tomatoes also offer buyers a wider selection of varieties and are often more affordable once the season reaches full production.
A delayed start, but a promising season
Like several Ontario crops this year, field tomatoes got off to a slower start after a cool spring delayed development. Fortunately, growing conditions have improved significantly since then.
“It was a delayed start, but we’ve had good growing conditions since.”
If the weather continues to cooperate, the season is expected to hit its peak in about 10 days, bringing abundant supply, outstanding quality and attractive pricing for buyers.
What buyers should look for
Whether purchasing for a grocery store, restaurant or food service operation, selecting high-quality field tomatoes starts with a careful visual inspection.
We recommend looking for tomatoes that are:
- Firm
- Evenly coloured
- Free from excessive blemishes
For many of his customers, size matters too. They like ready-to-eat, good-sized tomatoes—burger size—that are clean looking and don’t have a lot of blemishes.
Fresh from the farm in about a day
One of the biggest advantages of Ontario-grown field tomatoes is how quickly they can move through the supply chain.
Tomatoes are typically harvested one day, shipped overnight to the Ontario Food Terminal and then picked up and delivered to customers the following day. That rapid turnaround helps preserve freshness while ensuring retailers and food service operators receive tomatoes at their best.
More than just burgers and salads
Field tomato season opens the door to a wide range of seasonal menu items. Restaurants often feature fresh cucumber and tomato salads, bruschetta and house-made sauces, while retailers see increased demand from customers looking to preserve tomatoes for the months ahead.
“People buy more while prices are low to preserve for the winter.”
It’s another reminder that tomato season is about more than fresh eating—it’s also an opportunity to enjoy Ontario’s harvest long after summer has ended.
More varieties than many people realize
One of the most surprising things about tomato season is just how much variety exists. There are so many varieties of tomatoes to choose from, with slight differences to each, good for any purpose.
From slicing tomatoes for sandwiches to varieties better suited for sauces or fresh salads, different tomatoes offer different strengths, giving chefs and retailers plenty of options throughout the season.
A perfect match for other Ontario favourites
Field tomatoes arrive just as several other iconic Ontario crops begin reaching the market. Fresh sweet corn, potatoes and cucumbers all pair naturally with summer tomatoes, while locally grown peaches provide the perfect finish to a seasonal meal.
Together, these crops showcase the diversity of Ontario’s harvest and give chefs and retailers an opportunity to celebrate local ingredients at their peak.
A season that keeps customers coming back
For retailers, merchandising plays an important role in helping field tomatoes stand out. DiLiso’s recommends keeping displays full with firm, ready-to-eat tomatoes to encourage impulse purchases and reinforce the appeal of fresh local produce.
“Keep baskets looking full with firm, ready-to-eat tomatoes, and they’ll sell.”
For anyone who’s only experienced greenhouse tomatoes, field tomato season offers the perfect opportunity to discover the difference.
“Try the flavour and notice the deep red colour.”
With the season now underway and peak harvest just around the corner, Ontario field tomatoes are once again bringing the taste of summer to grocery stores, restaurants and food service operations across the province.