Enjoying the Bounty of Tomato Season

Tomato time brings excitement each year. The joy of slicing into a ripe tomato starts with spring planting. By midsummer, the sight of growing tomatoes on healthy vines adds motivation. Late summer rewards us with a harvest that proves their popularity among backyard growers.

Technically, tomatoes are fruits because they contain seeds, but we often refer to them as vegetables. Each year, I experiment with new varieties in search of improvement, yet I continue to plant five favorite types that thrive in my garden.

Bull’s Hearts

These oxhearts are a must-have in my raised beds. I discovered them in Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where they are known as cuore di bue, and in France, coeur de boeuf. These large, heart-shaped fruits are aromatic and flavorful, perfect for salads, sandwiches, or making paste and sauce due to their low water content. They are ready for picking about 80 days after planting.

Rutgers

First introduced in 1934, Rutgers tomatoes gained popularity thanks to Rutgers University and the Campbell Soup Company collaboration. Known as Jersey tomatoes, these bright red, rounded fruits weigh 4 to 6 ounces and enhance sandwiches and salads with their meatiness. Harvest these in approximately 75 days.

Big Boys

Although they resemble supermarket tomatoes, Big Boys offer extraordinary taste. Released by the Burpee Seed Company in 1949, these productive plants yield 10- to 12-ounce tomatoes with rich flavor. They start producing at about 78 days after planting.

Sungold Cherry Tomatoes

Sungold cherry tomatoes are incredibly popular among growers. Due to their tendency to split, they are rare in stores, making them valuable for home cultivation. These orange, sweet, low-acid tomatoes are ready in about 60-65 days, perfect for salads or snacking.

Brandywines

Brandywine tomatoes, dating back to the 1800s, are large and juicy heirloom tomatoes that weigh up to a pound each. Their pinkish-red fruits are ideal for slicing, providing ample sandwich portions. Pink varieties are also available for those who prefer them.

Jessica Damiano provides regular gardening insights through her columns at The Associated Press. Her newsletter, the Weekly Dirt, offers additional tips and advice for gardening enthusiasts.