07/19/11You Say “Tomato,” I say “Tomato…” (Continued) A story by Jim Pfitzer
You say “Tomato,” I say “Tomato…Cont’d.” 
Of the five tomatoes I covered last time, Valencia, Moskvich, and Peron Sprayless are Heirloom, and this week, Cherokee Purple, Paul Robeson, and Pink Beauty meet the standard.
All of the tomatoes grown at the farm, however, were chosen for their unique characteristics and just because they aren’t heirloom doesn’t mean they aren’t delicious, nutritious and well worth waiting half the year for!
And now for the next five tomatoes!
Cherokee Purple is a large, firm tomato with a sweet, almost smoky flavor with an irregular shape some might call “ugly.” They are a darker red than most-leaning slightly towards purple. Considered by many to be the best tasting tomato out there, I love slicing them thick and eating them raw with a little of my favorite salt on top. They also make a great hamburger slice!
Brandyboy. Not nearly as sweet as some, these large “ugly” tomatoes need a dash of salt more than most, but when they get it, complex, savory flavors emerge. They are medium in terms of firmness and because of that and their irregular shapes aren’t ideal for slicing, but dice them up and throw them in soup or sauces and they really shine!
Paul Robeson. According to heirloomtomatoplants.com, Paul Robeson tomatoes are an “all-time favorite” and a “top seller,” and it is easy to understand why. This “gorgeous, dark and dusky-hued fruit with intensely sweet earthy taste and a hint of tanginess,” reminds me of tomato juice from my childhood. It is “velvety smooth” and rich with juice. Another winner!
Black Cherry. After trying all these other tomatoes with their unique complex flavors, it could be easy to dismiss this little guy. It just doesn’t pack the punch. But don’t let it go; try drying it. As the water is evaporated, the flavors intensify, making this a wonderful option for preserving.
Pink Beauty is a tomato for the tomato enthusiast who loves great tomato flavor. Period. Not overly sweet, smoky, or particularly savory, this tomato just tastes good. It is smallish, firm, and keeps pretty well. Put them in a bowl on the table and enjoy one sliced with every meal!
As I was wrapping up this article, Greenhouse Manager Make Barron came over to the desk holding two tomatoes–a Cherokee Purple and a Paul Robeson. We compared them to the specimens in the photographs above and were struck by the differences in individuals, how difficult it is to tell two species apart some times, and how obvious it is other times. And, because in pollination anything can happen, seeds for the same variety will produce subtle differences. So, if you aren’t sure which tomatoes you have in your box, you aren’t alone. But don’t fret about it, just enjoy eating them!