90% Of QLD Tomatoes Picked Right Here In North QLD!

Did you know, that during the winter harvest season from May to November, North Queensland contributes nearly 90% of Queensland's tomato production? That’s a total of more than 40,000 tonnes annually!

Helena De Bortoli, regional coordinator for Pick of the Crop in North Queensland, recommends incorporating tomatoes into sandwiches, lunchboxes or pastas to enhance children's vegetable consumption.

Ideal for the whole family, cherry and grape tomatoes are not only nutritious but also budget-friendly, making them a top pick for shoppers during Queensland's bustling tomato season.

“Tomatoes have to be the most versatile vegetable going: you can eat them fresh or cooked, add them as a sauce or paste, enjoy them as a side dish or as the main squeeze,” Ms De Bortoli said.

“They are also an excellent source of nutrients, including lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red colour and helps protect us from heart disease and some cancers.

“What I love about our region is that so many growers are selling their tomatoes at their roadside stalls, helping to make fresh tomatoes highly accessible and affordable for our community.”

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) supports Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s whole-school healthy eating initiative Pick of the Crop, which aims to increase opportunities for Queensland primary school students to learn about and eat more vegetables and fruit.

“Tomatoes are part of the Aussie staple diet – smaller varieties like cherry or grape tomatoes are perfect to snack on and for throwing into salads, while larger varieties like gourmets and eggs are perfect for sandwiches and cooking,” Mr Walker said.

“Buying local and in-season is a great way to support growers, and to make sure you’re getting bang for your buck when buying your vegetables.”

For more recipes and healthy eating ideas, visit hw.qld.gov.au.

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