Behind the Bag: What Goes into Sourcing Seasonal, Local Produce

Behind the Bag: What Goes into Sourcing Seasonal, Local Produce

Jul 01, 2025admin Green Tomato

At Green Tomato, sourcing seasonal, local produce is one of our core pillars. In a city as rich in culture and community as Miami and Broward, these connections feel even more meaningful.

When Green Tomato was founded in 2021, our intention was simple: to connect people with real food, grown in real time, and without the plastic, chemicals, or excessive carbon emissions from long-distance transport.

But a question remained: Why was there so little access to the beauty and abundance of Florida's local farms?

 

Building Bridges: Our Local Farmer Network

Through dedicated research and genuine, on-the-ground relationships, one farm owner's connection led to another. In our experience, local businesses support each other, recognizing their strengths and sharing resources. We've been fortunate to build lasting relationships with every farm we work with.

Visiting these farms and spending time with the workers has been a liberating experience. It reminds us that we are all driven by the same passion: to provide fresh, healthy, and sustainable food. The connection feels real and personal.

Instagram has helped us broaden our reach, giving us a platform to spotlight the people and the land that make all of this possible. The wellness and abundance we are often told are out of reach are right here in Florida, and they’ve been here all along.

The Logistics of Freshness: From Farm to Your Table

How does the magic happen for you to get your delivery on time? Every step in our process is a testament to how interconnected our system is, from product selection to delivery:

  • Order Forecasting: When you subscribe to Green Tomato, you give us a forecast of how much produce we need each week. This allows us to communicate directly with our farm partners so they can harvest the exact amount needed (by Wednesday at the latest).

  • Planning and Budgeting: With the amount confirmed, we plan the bags and budget to ensure everything is ready for assembly.

  • Harvest and Prep: Friday is pickup day. We collect the fresh produce directly from the farms, guaranteeing that what you receive is as fresh as possible.

  • Home Delivery: Deliveries then begin the following week, Monday through Thursday.

 

Eating Seasonally: It's More Than Just Flavor

Eating with the seasons is about so much more than enjoying delicious flavor. It's about a deeper connection:

  • To the land: It reminds us of natural cycles and the rhythm of farming.

  • To the people: It connects us with the passionate farmers who grow and care for our food.

  • To a mindful lifestyle: It fosters a more sustainable and intentional way of living.

When you eat what's in season, you're getting produce at its peak freshness, flavor, and nutrient density. At Green Tomato, we are proud to be part of a food system that is rooted in place, purpose, and, most importantly, people.

Would you like to know more about one of our specific farm partners or a particular product? Let us know!

 

📷 Valentin from Kandahar Farm and Vanessa Aflalo, Green Tomato CEO & Founder