Recently, Alex and I visited Friðheimar in Reykholt, Iceland, located within the Golden Circle outside of Reykjavik. Friðheimar literally means “Glass House” in their native Islandic language. Friðheimar is the second largest producer of tomatoes in Iceland, producing over 1 ton of tomatoes PER DAY! Each plant produces 25 kilos over a 9 month period, so you can do the math – they have A LOT of tomato plants, and more starts in an adjacent greenhouse ready to go.
One of the most remarkable things about Iceland and these glasshouses in particular, is the source of water they have throughout the country as a result of their many hot springs. (You can see steam coming out of the ground sporadically as you drive through the countryside). This enables them to supply hot water and renewable energy to every inhabitant and business in Iceland, which keeps the cost of energy very low for Icelanders. And the water has a fantastic, fresh, clean taste – I think the best water I’ve ever tasted.
Friðheimar’s hot springs are only 600 feet away (and therefore a perfect location for a greenhouse), so they have all of the water and heat they need to grow their tomatoes. The water that is piped in is nearly boiling, and feeds into their sophisticated piping system throughout the greenhouses. So, they’re able to keep their greenhouses warm all year long. Despite the 42 degree temperature outside during our visit, the inside of the greenhouses were balmy – a nice respite from the outdoor cold.
A glimpse into the greenhouse with the thousands of tomato starts & their piping
They keep the greenhouse lights on 17 hours each day to maximize production.
We learned that, as throughout the entire island, they grow their plants as naturally as possible using three important principles: 1) they water the tomatoes with the same delicious water that they drink so they can produce the highest quality tomatoes; 2) they don’t use pesticides. They easily control any pests they have naturally; and 3) they import bees from Holland to pollinate their plants and regularly have 600 bees flying around their greenhouse at all times.
Friðheimar’s owners specialize in cultivating different varieties of tomatoes, in an attempt to increase the diversity of tomatoes in the Islandic market. Because of the growing conditions they have created, they are able to grow and provide tomatoes all year round.
They offer lunch in their main greenhouse which is FANTASTIC and a must-do if you’re in the area. They offer a wonderful and simple menu of tomato-based foods – no surprise.
They have a self-serve, all you can eat table of delicious warm tomato soup with homemade breads. On each table you will find butter, sour cream which you spread on your bread and top with their mix of cucumber, vinegar and sugar (yum!).
You’ll also find a fresh basil plant with scissors so you can add fresh basil to your soup. (Cool idea I must try in Napa). If you want more food, you can order a side of mussels and/or “soup sticks” – fondue-like sticks containing cheese and vegetables you can add to your soup. Save room for their desserts which include tomato cheese cake, tomato ice cream, and tomato apple pie. (We were completely full so we missed out on the desserts). Their delicious water is included and you can find various versions of alcoholic and non-alcoholic Bloody Mary drinks at their bar. Their restaurant was packed at 2pm, which new guests coming in as the afternoon passed.
Friðheimar was such a fun experience. I would definitely include a greenhouse visit when you go to Iceland because growing and consuming their own local produce is a large part of the culture in Iceland – especially tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, strawberries and raspberries. You will find all of them very fresh and delicious!
