Tomatoes, our "signature" item. Year-round, vine ripe tomatoes.

Beefsteak Tomatoes	Cherry Tomatoes	Grape Tomatoes	Green Fryer Tomatoes	Hydroponic Tomatoes
Roma Tomatoes	Slicer Tomatoes	Yellow Tomatoes

Tomatoes have been surrounded by tales of folk lore, superstition, and romance. The tomato has been referred to as the "love apple". It was believed by some to have been the "apple" that Eve gave Adam in the Garden of Eden. The Italians called the tomato the "Golden Apple" and thought it was an aphrodesiac. The tomato is a member of the nightshade family and at one time, thought to be poisonous. In truth, the leaves are poisonous, but the fruit is delicious and quite good for us.

In fact, medical studies have proven tomatoes as the #1 cancer fighting food because they contain Lycopene. Lycopene is the element which the human body produces to fight the disease. Tomatoes are also very high in Vitamins C and A, and low in fat, calories, and are sodium free.

Sources: Florida is the #1 producing state. California and Mexico are also top producers. Quality and supply peak May, June, and July. Florida ships from October through early June with peak supplies from December to June. Subsidies are from Mexico most of the year with the heaviest production during winter and early Spring. California peaks July through November.

Specialty Tomatoes

For those epicureans with discriminating taste, the tomato specialists offer the teardrop, or pear tomato. This type of tomato can be supplied in yellow, orange, and the traditional red. These tomatoes are delicate and highly perishable. However, they lend elegance to an entree'.

Handling Tips: Tomatoes produce their own ripening agent - Ethylene gas. Ethylene gas stimulate the changes in color. Tomatoes should never be shipped below 55 degrees. Storage and display is best at 62 - 68 degrees. Do not mist or refrigerate. Shelf life: typically 7 - 14 days. Tomatoes are highly sensitive to chilling injury. Humidity higher than 85 - 88% encourages decay.

Tomatoes are sold by "types" rather than "varieties". Even though hundreds of "varieties" are grown, the variety of tomato depends largely on the area in which the crop was grown. Agriscience companies experiment with new varieties all the time. Those of us in the industry are always searching for a better tasting, heartier, more resilient fruit. And each year we have access to another variety which promises to deliver what we desire most - that one perfectly red, beautifully shaped, luscious TOMATO.

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