Although I love tomatoes, there is one part of me that dreads tomato season. I find selling tomatoes challenging. We grow tomatoes for flavor, texture, and thin skins. They are wonderful.
Many people want a perfect looking tomato that is perfectly ripe. One can determine ripeness by rolling a tomato in one’s hand and feeling its firmness or ripeness. Many people pinch tomatoes and a couple days later bruises appear – these won’t sell.
Consider a tomato that has great flavor rather than perfect appearance. Consider buying a few tomatoes of varying ripeness and eating them as they ripen. Try a new color or variety and see if you like the flavor. Tomato flavor varies as much as apple varieties.
Tomatoes should NOT be stored in the refrigerator; cold temperatures change the flavor and texture.
Be brave and enjoy the taste of fresh, local, heritage tomatoes!
