Why Do Americans Put Up with Tasteless Tomatoes Designed for a Long Shelf Life?

It's a rare situation where I find myself standing up for Americans and their food, but here it is: supermarket tomatoes across the globe are often bred for shelf life over flavor. While taste is subjective, there's no denying the joy of a well-crafted tomato that's bursting with flavor.

For those seeking truly flavorful tomatoes, local farmers' markets are the way to go. The vendors take immense pride in the quality of their produce, and you can taste the difference immediately. Growing your own tomatoes can be even more satisfying, offering a unique blend of freshness and personal pride.

Tomatoes: Variety and Character

Why, you might ask, do Americans put up with these bland-tasting tomatoes when we have so many varieties of tomatoes that would leave you in awe? From cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes, to roma and beefsteak tomatoes, as well as heirloom tomatoes and all the varieties in between, the choice is endless. If you're only buying your tomatoes from a certain grocery store, it's likely that you're missing out.

Heirloom tomatoes are worth every extra penny for their superior flavor. Some even choose to grow their own, savoring the delight of a homegrown, fresh tomato.

Flavor vs. Shelf Life

The price Americans pay for perfectly shelf-stable tomatoes is often a tasteless sacrifice. At 53 years old, having lived in five different countries, I haven't found a tasteless tomato in the United States. Each tomato I’ve tasted elsewhere has lived up to the expectations set by my American roots.

However, hot house tomatoes imported from Mexico or California may fall short. By the time they reach the U.S. East Coast, they can lose much of their flavor. The same applies to apples. In the past, hundreds of varieties were grown in New Jersey but had to be transported in wagons. Any bruised apples couldn't make it to market, leading to an era of produce selected for durability over flavor.

Florida's Freshness and Diversity

If you're based in Florida, you are well-versed in the diversity of local tomatoes. While many parts of the U.S. struggle with finding fresh, flavorful tomatoes, Florida offers a different experience. You have several options:

Grow your own tomatoes if the climate permits. Buy local produce from farmers' markets and local produce stands, particularly in season. Buy produce raised elsewhere, often with better shelf-life but at the cost of taste. Opt for canned or frozen tomatoes, like imported San Marzano tomatoes, for the best flavor.

Our family lives on the shore of Lake Superior in Northern Michigan, where our short growing season means we can only grow small cherry tomatoes in our garden. We purchase heirloom tomatoes from grocery stores when available and bring home as many garden tomatoes as we can consume before they spoil during family visits to warmer climates.

As a result, we rely on the big, overly firm, and bland tomatoes our local stores can carry. However, it's worth noting that fresh oranges from Florida are also not as abundant or of the same quality as what we have in other regions. Instead, we have fantastic fresh fish, like salmon, whitefish, smelt, and lake trout, from Lake Superior.

Conclusion

While the quest for perfect shelf stability can sometimes come at the expense of flavor, there are still plenty of options for fresh, flavorful tomatoes in America. From the farmers' markets to growing your own, there's no shortage of ways to satisfy your tomato craving.