Advice from a tomato pro
This, boys and girls, is a Cherokee Purple. My Cherokee Purple. As many of you probably know, it's a variety of heirloom tomato. I bought it Sunday from the Brown's Cove Farm people at the farmers market under the viaduct, and it was the first of the season that I've seen.
In case you've never had a Cherokee Purple, ransom your first born to buy one (and you'll probably have to; they don't give them away). Cherokees are meaty and blood red, with traces of green. The flavor is full bodied and sweet. I say it's the best tomato out there; but if you know of a better one, I'd like to hear about it.
Comments
My homegrown Sessa Reds should give your farmers market-bought Cherokee Purples a run for their money.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | July 12, 2007 9:25 AM
My homegrown Sessa Reds should give your farmers market-bought Cherokee Purples a run for their money
I'm looking forward to the report from the taste-off.
Posted by: Hal Laurent | July 12, 2007 1:44 PM
Weber's Cider Mill Farm (Proctor Lane in Parkville) and Planet Produce (Belvedere Square in Govans) sell heirloom tomatoes, usually starting in late July. The most popular varieties seem to be Cherokee Purple, Striped German, Green Zebra, and Brandywine, but there are usually a few others, too. Weber's grows their own, so the cost is usually less than $1.50 per pound. I don't think Planet Produce grows their own, so the cost is higher, but they buy locally, so the quality is very high.
Cherokee Purple color ranges from bright red to dark maroon--don't be put off by dark-colored ones. Also, if you see them, try Striped German. They're big and neon yellow with red streaks, and the meat is sweet and juicy. Another good one is Green Zebra--small and bright green with pale yellow streaks, with a bright, almost citrusy taste.
And...for those who like to grow their own (I do), in the spring you can find heirloom tomato plants at Planet Produce and Poor Boy's in Parkville (Old Harford & Taylor).
Posted by: Dottie | July 13, 2007 3:25 PM
Planet Produce gets their heirloom tomatoes from the farmer's market vendors - I've seen Steve there buying them. This means you are paying them extra when you could get them directly, fresher and cheaper, yourself.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 17, 2007 1:53 PM
Update: Planet Produce has heirlooms! On 7/14, there were Cherokee Purples and [something] Pinks, and I got the impression the varieties may change as they become available. They're locally grown, and big, juicy and delicious! The cost is $3.99/lb. Go get 'em while you can--it's a short season.
Posted by: Dottie | July 18, 2007 2:53 PM
Yet another update. Heirloom tomatoes are in at Weber Farms (Proctor Lane in Parkville) for $2.99 per pound. There are several varieties each week and come directly from Weber's farm in Balto County. They're terrific, so get em while you can--it's a short season. While you're at it, grab some of Weber's peaches--the best anywhere!
Posted by: Dottie Doepke | August 1, 2007 3:56 PM