Heirloom tomatoes tend to dominate farmers markets and give hybrids a bad name. But not all hybrid tomatoes are mealy and flavorless. In fact, some stand up just fine to heirloom varieties, especially in the hands of a caring, knowledgeable grower. Here are a few varieties I like:
Early Girl Tomatoes
Photo © Molly Watson
Early Girls were developed to ripen in areas with limited summer heat. They are sweet and a bit crunchy compared to other tomatoes, which makes them perfect for tossing in salads and eating out of hand with a sprinkle of salt.
Sweet 100 Tomatoes
Photo © Molly Watson
These small "cherry" tomatoes are, as their name implies, sweeter than your average tomato. They have a nice bit of snap to them as well, and make a great snack or addition to a crudite platter.
Sun Gold Tomatoes
Photo © Molly Watson
Sun Golds are yellow, small "cherry" tomatoes with a great sweet crunch.
