Food...

Tomatoes have gotten quite a bad rap this summer, what with all the salmonella scares. So, as a tomato lover, I was pleased to read some good news about one of my favorite foods.

In New Jersey, the original Jersey heirloom tomato the “Ramapo” is making a dramatic come back. As the New York Times reported, the Ramapo was first released in 1968 but was discontinued when it didn’t ship well. That prompted protest and increasing dissatisfaction with New Jersey’s tomatoes in the 80s and 90s. So, after decades of Ramapo-less frustration, this year, the Ramapo is finally back.

Heirloom tomatoes range from the glamorous Green Zebras, Brandywines, and Russian Blacks, in comparison, the Ramapo is a Plain Jane. It’s described in the Times as “nondescript” in the best form of the word, and as “a perfect balance of sweet and acrid.” As a rule, however, a garden full of Ramapos does produce a lot of fruit, which means more tomato sauce.

There’s lots more about tomatoes, including the Ramapo, at the Rutgers Agricultural Extension Service. What’s your favorite variety?

Photo of heirloom tomatoes from Cornell University.