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Get ready to savor the delicious taste of Florida tomatoes all month long as we celebrate Fresh Florida Tomato Month on April 1! Did you know that Florida is known as the "Tomato Capital of the World" and produces over one-third of the country's fresh tomatoes? These juicy red fruits (yes, they are technically fruits!) have been a staple in Florida agriculture for centuries and have become a beloved ingredient in countless dishes. So let's raise our forks and toast to this versatile and tasty produce – whether it's in a salad, on a sandwich, or blended into a savory sauce. Happy Fresh Florida Tomato Month!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tomato Cultivation Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1800s, farmers in Florida began cultivating tomatoes, capitalizing on the state's favorable climate and soil conditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1908</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Tomato Canning Factory</div><div class='timeline-text'>Florida's first tomato canning factory opened in 1908, greatly expanding the tomato industry in the state.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1923</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Florida Tomato Committee Est.</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Florida Tomato Committee was established in 1923 to oversee quality control, marketing, and research for the state's tomato industry.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1953</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fresh From Florida Program</div><div class='timeline-text'>Florida Department of Agriculture launched the "Fresh From Florida" program in 1953 to promote locally grown fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Fresh Florida Tomato Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural Fresh Florida Tomato Month was held in April 1989, celebrating the state's vibrant tomato industry and raising awareness about the importance of supporting local farmers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increasing Tomato Exports</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 2000s, global demand for Florida tomatoes increased substantially, with exports to various countries around the world.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local tomato farm</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a local tomato farm and learn about the process of growing and harvesting tomatoes. You can also pick your own fresh tomatoes to take home and use in delicious recipes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a tomato-themed dinner party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family for a dinner party where all the dishes feature fresh Florida tomatoes. From tomato bruschetta to caprese salad, there are endless possibilities for incorporating this seasonal ingredient into your menu.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cooking class focused on tomatoes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sign up for a cooking class that specializes in tomato-based dishes. You'll learn new recipes and techniques for using fresh Florida tomatoes in your cooking.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a farmer's market</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Head to your local farmer's market and stock up on fresh Florida tomatoes. Not only will you be supporting local farmers, but you'll also have access to the freshest and most flavorful tomatoes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create tomato-inspired crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make some tomato-themed crafts to celebrate Fresh Florida Tomato Month. From painting tomato designs on mason jars to making tomato-shaped ornaments, the possibilities are endless.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fresh Florida tomatoes are delicious</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's nothing quite like the taste of a juicy, ripe Florida tomato. With its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, it's a staple in many dishes and adds incredible flavor to any meal.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fresh Florida tomatoes support local farmers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating Fresh Florida Tomato Month, we are also supporting our local farmers. Buying produce from local farmers not only supports their businesses, but it also helps reduce our carbon footprint by choosing locally-sourced products.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fresh Florida tomatoes make for versatile meals</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From salads to sandwiches to sauces, fresh Florida tomatoes can be used in a variety of delicious and healthy meals. They add color and tanginess to any dish and can be incorporated into different cuisines for a unique twist on traditional recipes.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Florida is among the Leading Tomato Suppliers in the U.S.</h3><p class='facts-text'>Florida is one of the top fresh tomato producing states in the U.S., contributing significantly to the country's domestic fresh tomato supply during winter months.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Florida Tomatoes are Harvested by Hand</h3><p class='facts-text'>Unlike several other crops, tomatoes are delicate and sensitive to bruising, requiring them to be individually handpicked to maintain their quality.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Florida Grows Many Different Varieties of Tomatoes</h3><p class='facts-text'>While round red tomatoes are prevalent, Florida also grows a variety of heirloom tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, showcasing a diversity in flavor, color and texture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tomato Farming Contributes Significantly to Florida's Economy</h3><p class='facts-text'>Tomato farming is not just about fresh produce - it also provides jobs, income for local families, and contributes significantly to Florida's economy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Florida's Unique Climate is Ideal for Tomato Growth</h3><p class='facts-text'>The state's hot and humid weather conditions allow for the growth of sweet and juicy tomatoes, making Florida a perfect environment for tomato farming.</p></div></div>
Fresh Florida Tomato Month is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024 Fresh Florida Tomato Month will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday
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