UK: Standhill Farm tomatoes hailed as best by Michelin-starred chef
Grower Jim Shanks and greenhouse manager Mark Wilkinson were joined by double Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie at the official opening of the tomato farm at Standhill, near Minto.
The chef praised the work carried out over the last three years by the team and described their produce as “probably the best tomatoes I’ve tasted”.
The duo first revealed plans for the Standhill Farm project back in late 2013 and will now at last see their Annamay cocktail and Sweetelle baby plum tomatoes hit supermarket shelves this month under the Airdrie-based label Scotty Brand.
Perth-born Andrew, there for a tour of the greenhouse and to produce dishes using its produce to promote the new brand, said: “When I came down, I was actually fascinated to see the whole operation here, but I just think that everything, for me, ticked all the boxes that I’m interested in – the fact it’s environmentally friendly, the fact that it’s local, the fact that it’s grown in Scotland.”
“I tasted the tomatoes for the first time on Saturday, and I know the season for them is really early, but they are probably the best tomatoes I’ve tasted. They are a fantastic product.”
The tomatoes will be available in Lidl, Morrison and Waitrose stores in Scotland between April and November.
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