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DonatePublished on July 24, 2024
As the warm breeze carries the tantalizing scent of ripe tomatoes through the air, it can only mean one thing – it’s time for the much-awaited tomato season in Ontario! A celebration of all things tomato, our delightful Tomato-palooza brings together farmers, foodies and families to revel in the vibrant colours, flavours and diversity of this humble yet extraordinary fruit.
Are tangy Green Zebras your thing, or do you prefer the candy-like sweetness of a Sungold? Do your tastes lean towards the intense flavour and slight saltiness of a Black Krim, or is the complex and tropical taste profile of a Jaune Flamme more your cup of tea? Whatever your preference, come enjoy the tomato festivities at Evergreen Brick Works during the month of August!
Tomato-palooza is more than just a celebration of a fruit — it’s a celebration of community, sustainability and the joy of sharing good food. Through vibrant colours, mouthwatering flavours and heartwarming interactions, this season reminds us of the importance of supporting local farmers and embracing the simplicity and goodness of nature’s bounty. Join us in paying homage to one of our favourite fruits this August!
We’ve got lots of tomatoey fun planned all month long, including:
When: Saturdays in August
Where: Evergreen Brick Works – Farmers Market, Garden Market, and Children’s Garden. Check out our map of festivities here.
Come enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Saturday Farmers Market while enjoying locally-sourced, sun-ripened, tomato-based delicacies! Get ready for an assortment of tomato-themed dishes from local vendors — from tangy tomato salsa to refreshing gazpacho and sweet tomato jam, there’s something for every palate.
Join our Tomato Tasting Party on August 24
Come to the Saturday Farmers Market on Saturday, August 24 to taste a selection of unique heirloom varieties grown by our farmers and discover your new favourites at our Tomato Tasting Party. Then cast a ballot for your favourite flavour and see which farmers will be crowned the tomato champions this season. At the heart of the Tomato Festivities lies the dedicated farmers and growers, who lovingly cultivate these juicy gems. Their passion for sustainable agriculture can be tasted in every bite!
Looking to load up on tomatoes?
We’re celebrating the beauty, flavour, and sheer abundance of the tomatoes our farmers grow – more than 200 different heirloom and specialty varieties! Be sure to check out any of these farms at the Saturday Farmers Market:
Farmers Market hours: Every Saturday from 8am – 1pm
Homegrown tomatoes and tomatoes grown by local farmers are beloved for their rich, sweet flavour—a taste that often eludes store-bought counterparts. This delicious difference comes down to “brix,” a measure of everything good in plant juice: sugars, vitamins, minerals, and more. It’s not just about sweetness; brix reflects how well we nurture our soil.
By balancing nutrients, boosting organic matter, and fostering a vibrant soil ecosystem, we supercharge plant health. The result? Tomatoes that taste amazing, last longer, and pack more nutrition. High brix levels mean quicker seed sprouting, bigger plants, and better resistance to weather extremes. When brix drops, though, these benefits decline. It’s proof that great tomatoes start from the ground up!
Looking for ways to boost the organic matter of your soils? Check out these products from the Garden Market:
The Garden Market is also well stocked with bamboo stakes and other supports to trellis your tomatoes as they grow.
Discover your tomato name with the Heirloom Tomato Name Generator & photo booth
Visit our Heirloom Tomato Name Generator at the Garden Market starting August 24 and discover the unique tale behind your tomato name. Picture this: The majestic “King Pineapple,” ruling the garden with its tropical charm, stands tall beside the playful “Green Zebra,” whose stripes tell tales of wild adventures.
Meet the hearty “Homer’s Oxheart,” whose robust stature tells tales of tradition and strength. Then there’s the bright “Valencia,” whose sunny disposition adds a burst of joy, sharing the stage with the energetic “Sunrise Bumblebee,” whose buzzing energy and dazzling colors light up every garden. Come find your heirloom tomato story! Which character will you be?
Evergreen Garden Market Hours:
Saturdays: 9am – 5pm
Sunday – Friday: 10am – 5pm
Fun and games are an integral part of the Tomato Festivity experience. Children can engage in tomato-themed arts and crafts designed to educate them about the fruit’s nutritional benefits and the importance of sustainable farming. Follow the chimney to the Children’s Garden and join us in playing make-believe by cooking up tomato recipes in our new mud kitchen!
Weekend Nature runs from 10am – 3pm on these dates in August:
Spread the Tomato Love!
Share this blog and tell your tomato-loving friends about the Tomato Festivities at Evergreen Brick Works!
Learn more about the free and low-cost ways to get to the Brick Works here.
