April 1, 2022 (Medicine Hat) Big Marble Farms is excited to announce another expansion to their facility and an addition to their line of premium produce.

Over the last year Big Marble Farms has joined forces with the Alberta Tomato Institute (ATI) to conduct a study comparing the benefits and efficacy of tomato slices versus cucumber slices.  The benefits of the topical application of cucumbers slices on the eyes have been known for many years including soothing skin, reducing dark circles and inflammation, and even treating sunburn. To determine whether tomatoes had any healing qualities when applied as slices on the eyes Big Marble Farms contacted ATI and the study was conducted in early 2021.

“When Big Marble Farms contacted us to propose a partnership to conduct this study we were immediately on board,” commented Dr. Redmond Pomodoro, Research Scientist at ATI. “Our findings were exciting and surprising and will open up a whole new avenue of treatment for common maladies.”

As a dietary source, tomatoes contain lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene, which can help protect against cancer, maintain healthy blood pressure, and help reduce blood glucose. The study found that tomato slices topically applied to the eyes help to increase mental acuity and help to combat fatigue.

“We found these findings interesting, and we found that because of the texture of the slices the study participants had a heightened sense of awareness and were anticipating if the tomatoes were actually going to stay in place,” explained Dr. Pomodoro. “Any sense of fatigue was combatted by a heightened focus on the placement of the slices, and this extended even after the slices were removed.”

As a result of this study Big Marble Farms has earmarked a portion of their packhouse facility to be renovated into a medi-spa where clients can access reclining massage chairs which will allow certified attendants to alternate between topical cucumber and tomato treatments.

“This is just another way that we can focus on the health and well being of our community,” explained Ryan Cramer, President of Big Marble Farms. “We are excited about this new venture and because of the health benefits of both cucumbers and tomatoes, we are now in talks with our buyers to have pre-sliced cucumbers and tomatoes available in pharmacies.”

A ground-breaking ceremony for the Big Marble Medi-Spa and Retreat will take place later this year.

Please direct media inquiries to:

Dr. Redmond Pomodoro, Research Scientist, Alberta Tomato Institute 

or

Ryan Cramer, President, Big Marble Farms