What's your favorite type of tomato? (image via Fill Your Plate)
By Monica of Crooked Sky Farms
The best thing about heirloom tomatoes is the taste. The quality surpasses any tomato you will find in a store – well, unless it’s an heirloom tomato.
Wikipedia defines an heirloom tomato (also called heritage tomato in the UK) “as an open-pollinated (non-hybrid) tomato. Heirloom tomatoes have become increasingly popular and more readily available in recent years. They are grown for historical interest, access to wider varieties, and by people who wish to save seeds from year to year. Most importantly they are grown for taste.”
Farmer Frank of Crooked Sky Farms says (with a wry smile), “It’s got a good old fashioned flavor. The kind you remember when you were a kid – if you are over 50.”
Tips for refrigeration, DON’T. Tomatoes are quite finicky; they do not like to be less than 55 degrees. Plus, the shelf life of a tomato lasts much longer on your kitchen counter. Fluctuating temps will also cause them to break down, so any place that keeps a steady temperature (over 55 degrees) will be good for them.
Currently Crooked Sky Farms grows 26 tomato varieties. Oh goodness, who knew there were even 10?!
Heirloom tomatoes, have you tried them?
Related articles
- How to Grow Tomatoes in Arizona (fillyourplate.org)
- Let’s Talk Tomatoes (fillyourplate.org)
- The Battle Over Vegetables: 4 Creative Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat More (fillyourplate.org)