Focus On: Tomatoes
A look at what's trending, from greenhouse grown to sun-dried.
The People's Choice for Hottest Tomato
Greenhouse grower Mastronardi Produce, of Kingsville, Ontario, took top honors at the annual Hottest Tomato Competition, presented by R.E.A.C.H. International. The company's Sunset Mini Kumato tomato received the 2013 People's Choice Award for Tomatoes.
Mastronardi's Sunset Mini Kumato is the bite-size grape version of the Sunset Kumato Simply Unique Brown Tomato, which won the Hottest Tomato Award for Best Cocktail Tomato.
In addition to the People's Choice Award for the Mini Kumato and Kumato tomatoes, Mastronardi Produce/Sunset also garnered awards for the Best Cluster/TOV for its Loomato Heirloom Tomato, the People's Choice Award for its Sweet Twister Pepper, and Best Orange Pepper honors for its Sunset Orange Bell Pepper.
Mastronardi Produce also recently received top honors from the International Taste and Quality Institute for its Sunset Angel Sweet tomato and One Sweet Peppers. This is the fourth consecutive year that Mastronardi has been recognized by the institute for its gourmet tomatoes.
Pest-fighting Tomatoes Ready for Battle
There's a new weapon in the battle against thrips, tiny inspects that pierce and suck fluids from hundreds of plants, including tomatoes. Martha Mutschler-Chu, a Cornell professor of plant breeding and genetics, has developed a tomato that packs a powerful one-two punch to deter the pests and counter the killer viruses they transmit.
Thrips transmit such diseases as the tomato spotted wilt virus, causing millions of dollars in damage to U.S. agricultural crops each year.
The "dual-resistant" insect and virus varieties may reduce or even eliminate the need for pesticides in some regions.
The Cornell thrips-resistant tomato lines will be used by Mutschler-Chu and an interdisciplinary team of scientists from seven other institutions nationwide as part of a new five-year, $3.75 million project to control thrips and TOSPO viruses in tomatoes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative is funding the project.
Creek Chic
Mooney Farms, of Chico, Calif, recently wrapped its second annual Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes recipe contest. Look for the winning recipe and past winners on its website, www.mooneyfarms.com.
With its small footprint, Mooney Farms' floor rack accommodates cases of both its Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes, including Basil & Garlic and Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano varieties in 3.5-ounce, resealable bags, and its oil-packed products to create a sun-dried tomato destination in the produce department.