What's your favorite tomatoe?

[ninnymary]

As a new gardener, I am daydreaming about planting tomatoes. In the past, I planted early girls which did very well. Last year I switched to heirlooms and they did poorly. This year I will do both so that I am assured of a good crop.

Which is your favorite tomatoe and why? Pick only ONE! I know, it's hard.

I am particulary interested in tomatoes for my area. I want an easy and fail proof one

mary

 

[digitS']

uuuummmmm. no. uhhhh . . . . think, think . . .

Okay, I have to go with SunSugar.

Wait!!

yeah . . . okay . . .

Steve's digits . . . the rest of him left the computer 5 minutes ago . . .

 

[Broke Down Ranch]

It would depend on the usage of said tomato. My variety experience is somewhat limited but this year I plan on changing that. But of the varieties I HAVE tried, for eating I have to say Brandywine - it is as smooth and luscious as it's name. But they suck for canning. For my canning this past year I really liked the Rutgers but the Early Girls were more profuse (tho they have a little more seeds and juice than the Rutgers).

SO, my fav for eating - Brandywine

Fav for canning - Rutgers

This year I have 30 different varieties to try (I think I'll do half for spring/early summer, the other half for mid summer/fall) so ask this question again in November

 

[ninnymary]

Digits,

You always make me laugh! Thank you for that.

mary

 

[4grandbabies]

I only know about my area, but Goliath and Able Lincoln are always in my garden plans. There are so many, I have been following all the tomato posts, and think I should venture out .
EDITED to say ABE lincoln, not ABLE Lincoln,

 

[wifezilla]

Any tomato that is sun ripened, sliced and covered in Celtic Sea salt

 

[journey11]

Well, I used to think that nothing could beat a pink Brandywine, but last year I grew a sample pack of Delicious (a beefsteak type) and they are definitely on order for this year as well. What I like about them--they are very classically what you would want in a home garden tomato fresh off the vine, red as red can be. The Brandywines are quite a bit sweeter, but these Delicious have a *perfect* acidity, a nice bite to it, add a little salt and you'll be licking the plate. Good for a canning tomato (the summery flavor preserves very well) and to die for on a tomato sandwich or burger! The flesh has a nice consistency, it's juicy and not at all mealy--it doesn't smush or disintegrate easily like the Brandywine does (but for Brandywine's flavor, I can forgive that. ) I also found it to be a great keeper, long lasting and the impressive flavor still came through even in November (which is when I polished off the last of them.)

For the wide world of tomatoes out there, I still have many to try. I do a few different every year. But I think Delicious is definitely a staple. If I could only grow one tomato, this would be it.

 

[vfem]

I have found a love in a cherry tomato called Esther's Best Yellow. It was PROFUSE last year, I was getting buckets filled daily from that monster of a plant, and I only had 1!!!

The taste was sweet, they were very large for cherries so I used them for salsa and sauces and snacking. Very versatile for cherries... and again, wonderful sweet flavor, and not very seedy either.

 

[obsessed]

With you being in SF Bay I would think that you would have some sun issues right? Like a lot of fog and more of a cooler summer? So I would definately go with a short season or alpine one.

How about Bloody Butcher? I never had it although I am growing it this year. but is supposed to be way more flavorfull than early girl.

 

[boggybranch]

Gotta go with the Box Car Willies for now....till I find one with a better taste, to me.