Tomatoberry

Last week I posted about heirloom tomatoes. Unlike a lot of people, I am not dogmatic when it comes to heirloom tomatoes. The reason is this: almost all heirloom tomatoes were hybrids at some point. Farmers have been cross breeding tomatoes to get the best flavor and texture for generations. For example, one of the most famous heirlooms, Mortgage Lifter, was the result of years of crossbreeding by a West Virginia man.

I do draw the line at genetic modification. Breeding for characteristics is ok in my view, splicing the gene of a fish or pesticide into the plant is crime against nature.

The Tomatoberry is a recent hybrid. It is a true tomato, but gets its name from its heart shape, or strawberry shape. Tomatoberry is a prolific producer and the fruit stands up well to roasting and grilling, unlike some heirlooms that disinigrate under high heat.