Tasty Tomatoes

Old-Fashioned Flavor
What does an heirloom tomato have that the new hybrids lack? “They offer more of everything,” Cindy explains. “If a tomato is sweet, an heirloom is incredibly sweet. If a tomato is acidic, an heirloom selection is more so.”

In the taste comparison, the men agree that ‘Cherokee Purple’ is number one. “This tomato has a rich, complex flavor,” Will says.

“If I can get someone to taste a ‘Cherokee Purple,’ they’re going to say ‘That’s the best tomato I’ve ever had,’ ” George claims.

Rod adds, “Sliced with a little salt, it doesn’t get any better.”

Each of the ladies, on the other hand, picked her own favorite. Cindy’s choice is ‘Rose de Berne.’ “It’s usually my first tomato of the year. I like a nice round tomato flavor,” Cindy says.

Laurie Moore loves the yellow and green selections. “I enjoy ‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’ and ‘Green Zebra,’ ” she states.

Lori Palmer prefers another old favorite. “When you eat a ‘Brandywine’ off the vine, you realize it’s a different kind of tomato,” she says.

For more information visit www.tastefulgarden.com, www.owlshollowfarm.com, or www.moorefarmsandfriends.com.