2011 First Annual Tomato Taste Off Contest was A Huge Success!

Display of tomatoes at Carmichael Park

BeMoneySmartUSA hosted two tomato taste off contest events at their certified farmers markets on Saturday, September 10 at the Sunrise Mall and on Sunday, September 11 at the Carmichael Park.  Many of the farmers from both locations proudly entered their many varieties of tomatoes to include heirlooms, cherry and hybrid varieties to compete for recognition as being the "best tasting heirloom tomato", the "most beautiful tomato", "the meatiest tomato" and the "sweetest tomatoes".  Patrons visiting the markets had the delicious and sometimes difficult task of tasting and only being allowed to vote for one tomato favorite in each category.



On Saturday, September 10 at the Sunrise Mall, over two hundred ballots were cast by customers eager to taste the seasons, although short, bounty of tomatoes.  All the tomatoes submitted came directly from the farmers who grow them and sell them at the market in season.  Ten farmers participated in the taste off providing an array of heirloom tomatoes to include: Cherokee, Marvel, Brandy Wine, Sun Gold Cherry, Yellow and Red Pear Cherry, Green Zebra, Vintage Wine and the Golden Jubilee tomatoes in the heirloom category.  The Hybrid Tomatoes included the classic Roma tomato, Sweet Cherry 100 and the Shady Lady.

Aubrey helps patrons taste for the "meatiest" tomato

On Sunday, September 11 at the Carmichael Park, the fun continued with eleven farmers competing and included additional heirloom varieties like the Red Zebra, Evergreen, Pink Brandy Wine, Dagma's Perfection, Black Ethiopian, Carolina Gold and the Black Crim.  New additions to the cherry tomato category included the sweet grape cherry tomato.  From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, there was a steady flow of patrons lined up and ready to taste and judge.  Over 250 votes came in!

Farmers were able to offer the customers their their favorite tomatoes to take home and enjoy even further.  It was the beginning of a new tradition for these year round markets.  The winners of this year's event will be posted very soon!  See if your favorite made the cut!