The landscapes of southern Iceland, full of geysers and glaciers, are probably the last place you’d expect to find some of the world’s juiciest tomatoes. Given its climate and location, Iceland imports most of its fruit and vegetables. But at Fridheimar farm, near the town of Selfoss, 30 miles from Reykjavik, a large greenhouse produces 300 tonnes of them a year. Big, red, implausibly juicy specimens are harvested there every single day, despite the long, dark winters. Its farm cafe makes a great place to stop for a bloody mary with a brilliant tomato tang, or a perfect bowl of tomato soup.

The farm’s Arctic location actually works in its favour: there are fewer pests here, and warm ocean currents keep the climate deceptively warm. Also, Iceland’s geothermal energy creates enough electricity to heat and light the plants all year round. A volcanic growing medium is used in place of soil and 600 bumble bees imported from Holland take care of pollination.

It’s a major operation: the farm uses 1.2 megawatts of electric power, the equivalent of the domestic use of a town of 3,000 people. Computers control heat, humidity, CO2, lighting, and watering, while weather stations on the rooftops monitor wind speed and direction and sunlight.

As well as the cafe, there are talks and exhibitions, riding demonstrations and a foodie souvenir shop. The bloody mary recipe is a secret, says Knútur Rafn Ármann, who runs the farm with his wife Helena and their five children. But it’s all in the tomato.

• fridheimar.is, greenhouse tour £4.50, bloody mary £7.50