Tomato acidity - Ask Extension
I'd like to find a list of high-acid tomatoes that taste like vegetables (savory, a bit salty), with a robust, intense tomato flavor that holds its...
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Tomato acidity #358143
Asked August 30, 2016, 5:27 PM EDT
I'd like to find a list of high-acid tomatoes that taste like vegetables (savory, a bit salty), with a robust, intense tomato flavor that holds its own on a burger or jumps out in a salad. It's been years since tasting such a wonderful tomato. People seem to really like low-acid, sweet tasting tomatoes (more like fruit than a good, sassy tomato).
Also--can a good high-acid tomato grow in the hot parts of Southern California (like Norco)? Even when we plant early, our tomatoes burn when the temps soar. To get that acid full-flavor: Is there a special soil prep I should? A special nutrient I should add? A special watering technique?
Thanks for your help. I'm grateful for your expertise.
Also--can a good high-acid tomato grow in the hot parts of Southern California (like Norco)? Even when we plant early, our tomatoes burn when the temps soar. To get that acid full-flavor: Is there a special soil prep I should? A special nutrient I should add? A special watering technique?
Thanks for your help. I'm grateful for your expertise.
Riverside County California
Expert Response
Tomato varieties have definitely gotten sweeter and milder flavor over the last several decades. The tomatoes you find in the store are bred to handle a lot of handling as the first priority and flavor as a second. Most folks a looking for that mild sweet flavor, not a tomato that can bite them back.
Flavor is a product of genetics and environment. Some of the old heirloom varieties may be your best bet. Warmer weather may increase the flavor level, as well as denser leaf set on the plants. Really hot weather will cause the plants to set few if any tomatoes. Ideal temperatures are around 80 daytime and 55 nighttime. your daytime temperatures probably exceed that for a lot of the summer
Bonnie Plants tomato flavor page has more tips.
California Extension has Heirloom Tomatoes and more
Flavor is a product of genetics and environment. Some of the old heirloom varieties may be your best bet. Warmer weather may increase the flavor level, as well as denser leaf set on the plants. Really hot weather will cause the plants to set few if any tomatoes. Ideal temperatures are around 80 daytime and 55 nighttime. your daytime temperatures probably exceed that for a lot of the summer
Bonnie Plants tomato flavor page has more tips.
California Extension has Heirloom Tomatoes and more
