Pictured above: some delicious Isle of Wight tomatoes and the apprenticeship team (wearing protective suits before entering the tomato greenhouse)

Our trip to the Isle of Wight, by Nikki Giles, Assistant Programme Manager for the Jamie Oliver Foundation

The apprentices set off on Weds 8th July for their last sourcing trip to the Isle of Wight!  The trip was organised by Jeff McDonald of The Tomato Stall and centered around learning the intricacies of tomato production from selection to sales.  The group toured around the hot houses and ate their body weight in tomatoes all in the name of testing them to judge the differences in smell, shape, colour, texture and taste.

The group also saw a fascinating range of other producers on the Island. They learnt about garlic at The Garlic Farm, cherries at the Goswell Orchard and dairy farming at Briddlesford Lodge Farm. 

Pierre Crosbie, group 8 apprentice said “This was one of my favourite sourcing trips, it was great to see the background behind the produce we work with at Fifteen and understand the dedication of the Isle of Wight farmers to make top quality produce."

A big thanks to Jeff and the team at The Tomato Stall. Make sure you look out for them at your local farmers' market.