Want to talk? Obsess is more like it, lol.........I've put my order in for 26 (I think) plants last wk, and I'm still wanting to revise, lol........Most of the types are 'new' (to me, like green grape) There are just so many to choose from, I have a 'master list' w/ 'maters I want to try, and a 'keepers list' that I keep the same ones in the garden. That way I figure if some of the 'tryers' bomb I have back up.........

The ones that didn't work for me......Juliette, mushy, flavorless, and tough skin
Also...Mortgage lifter, I know that there are a ton of people that adore that tomato, it was bland and tough skinned compared to the goliath that was planted next to it...dunno, what happen.....Of course I might try it again @ some point..Turns out the supplier that I *was* gettin' most of my plants from had a labeling problem. It took me a couple yrs to figure out how chronic it was.......So, I'm not 100% that it was that 'mater'. Happy planting.....T

hi tracerracer--what varieties did you order-or maybe you've already said in another post somewhere.

That's funny, I've read a few posts in the forum about people hating the juliette, so I've stayed away from it. As for green tomatoes, I have never grown those because I have "issues" with eating a green tomato!! I think it's mental for me --it's just too similar to biting into a bitter, un-ripened tomato. Maybe someday I'll try it...I'm big into the reds and use up all my space for those. I plant a lot of maters that make good sauce because I'm big into homemade spaghetti sauce.

One tomato I wasn't too impressed with last year was the Principe borghese...I have heard great things about these, and my plants were big producers but the texture came out weird (mushy) and the taste wasn't as good as I'd hoped. I didn't try to dry these and I guess I should have, as that's what they're best known for.

Too bad about your mortgage lifter..I'm growing that one this year for the first time. Good luck to you this year!

Yellow Pears

I had gone to my sister-in-law's for dinner a few years ago. She had a salad with these cute red and yellow pear tomatoes in it. Cute, yummy, tangy, how can you go wrong? So I decided to grow them in my garden. I was able to find yellow pear seeds locally (no I don't know what strain.) Planted them and they grew vigorously. I think they were the first toms to ripen that year. Took one bite...Blah! Mushy & bland. I was so disheartened. DH liked them though. Ironically, I do still grow them because they're cute.

Cherokee purple--everybody seems to love it
Black cherry-ditto

Last year:

Green Doctors
Coyote

Yellow Pear x SunSugar - mealiness carried over, blech. I'm working on it though. That's why I made the cross.

Green Zebra and Black Cherry. 4th of July not worth wasting space on either in my garden. Mr Stripey was o.k. once it produced anything, but it took three years to ever produce anything at all.
Bill P.

Yellow Pear x SunSugar - mealiness carried over, blech. I'm working on it though. That's why I made the cross...Hort, above statement makes no sense to me... unless one derives gratification from self-flagellation.

Reg

For me, one of the biggest disappointments was the Brandywine series. Most everyone seems to adore them, when I tried them a few years ago, I thought they were just average, and certainly nothing special. I'm trying again this year, who know's they might do better.

Most people will tell you to stay away from yellow pear, as it's pretty flavorless, but some people like it.

The problem with asking opinions is that they vary so, so much. One of the posters above doesn't like 4th of July, I find it one of my "must have" varieties, because its tart taste makes fantastic sauce, and it's extremely early. So, you just never know. Sometimes, you just have to try them for yourself and see what works for you.

Many of the early ripening varieties are disappointing in taste to me. Maybe I'm expecting too much. Last year I grew Urbikany; it was early, productive, but not very tasty IMO. I also grew Nyagous last year, and it didn't impress me. After trying a few black/brown varieties, I'm not jumping on their bandwagon.

Reg,

someone has got to taste them. My lab mice have been too busy.
giddy-up partner

douglas14,

good things are worth the wait

Dr. Carolyn Pink, Green Zebra, Eva Purple Ball.

celebrity

Merced and Heatwave..I chose those last last year for their ability to produce in the hot humid Tx summer,,though they did produce (as mentioned) taste wasn't all that.
I can say that when blended with cilantro, garlic, onion and some chile peppers, makes a descent salsa..if ya like it watery.

Hi,

For me, it would be Paul Robeson. Apparently a TomatoFest Best in Show and I was really looking foward to it. Could have been the location and care I gave it, but I got very few tomatoes and those that I got had a VERY peculiar, unpleasant taste. I love the black tomatoes, but this, at least for me, was outstandingly yucky!

Anne

Paul Robeson. Apparently a TomatoFest Best in Show and I was really looking foward to it. Could have been the location and care I gave it, but I got very few tomatoes and those that I got had a VERY peculiar, unpleasant taste. I love the black tomatoes, but this, at least for me, was outstandingly yucky!...Must agree that I have had rather lo production from PR and the plants I had were on the wimpy side. But when I got some good ripes, they were outrageously good. Some actually tasted smokey. Not that it is such a big deal.

But its lo production is its downfall with me... just like most Brandywines.

Reg

You probably won't believe this, but Kellogg's Breakfast. Didn't like it at all. May try again this year just for comparison.

Elaine

Window Box Roma: totally tasteless
Celebrity: ditto

Purple Calabash. I was seduced by it's dark purple color - FAB-U-LOUS - but the taste was astringent.

Hi All! My biggest dissapointment is the season is too short for me to get enough tomatoes to eat fresh, when they are ripe and 3 meals + snacks. Samiches, with salt or by themselves not enough time.

larry

Red Zebra and Green Zebra. I guess I should have expected that tomatoes famous for the way they look wouldn't be that tasty.

Mike

Just now I read down through the list of varieties that folks didn't like and for every one that someone doesn't like I know there are others that love it. LOL

And that's the way it's always been when threads such as this are posted. I mean what are you going to do when person X says I really didn't like variety M and somneone loves the same variety.

Maybe best to look at some of the back posts here thru the search feature at the bottom of this first page and see which varieties consistently pop up on lots of folks tomato lists.

Better still is for each person to grow what interests them b/c no two folks grow their tomatoes the same way, have the same soil or use the same mix in containers, use the same amendments and have the same weather in any given growing season.

Carolyn

I did post them recently, but can't remember which thread, lol. I'm tryin' paste 'maters one more yr, I have had terrible luck w/ them (blossom end rot) 'regular' and cherries all around them are fine, I guess I'm just a glutton fer punishment, so three new varieties this yr, fingers crossed......... I know what you mean about greens...That one's just for kicks and giggles, see what happens (secretly, I'm thinkin' it may just be for decoration).......I have the 2 varieties of pineapple, I want to compare them, I know I liked the plain pineapple (and my cousin's boy all but took the entire place of sliced maters for himself when I took a bunch to the boat races last yr, so funny). But I want to see if there is a noticable difference between them. For me, Goliath has been a good one, it was the 'first' that I planted after moving here 4 yrs ago.......Never forget, when the first ones came ripe, I wouldn't pick them. My DH kept sayin' 'are you gonna pick those?' I was so scared that they wouldn't taste good...(couldn't face that heart break)......lol.........(long story of dissapointment from where I did live).......Finally picked them, ahhhh real 'maters....... I'm gettin' most of these from a guy up in Eagle creek (OR).......Hopin' he's a little more organized and knows what he plants.........

Paste:
Amish Gold
Borgo cellano
Polish Linguisa

Red / pink:
Italian heirloom slicer
Stupice
Dr Lyle
Sainte Lucie
Believe it or not
Mamma Irene's
Goliath (2)

Yellow / Orange / bi-color:
Hawaiian pineapple
Pineapple
Kellogg breakfast
Mr. Stripey

Black / Purple:
Cherokee Purple
Eva Purple ball

Cherry:
Black cherry (2)
Green grape
Fox OP red
Sungold (2)

tracerracer: let me know how those amish golds turn out, I just saw those in a catalog the other day and thought they sounded interesting.

As for posts like these (asking for people's opinions on taste, production, etc) it's all in good fun. I enjoy reading how others' tomatoes have fared vs. my own. I think it's common knowledge that opinions are going to vary greatly.

I, for one---and I am sure others are with me on this--- don't sit and build my own ENTIRE mater list based on the results of forum polls....however...there are a few varieties which always seem to make the best or worst lists....interesting....

It's just fun to hear about other gardeners' experiences and opinions, that's all!

Happy planting everyone!

In my short tomato gardening experience, Sungold is the only spitter that I have grown. Yet so many love it, go figure

duajones- Exactly....I like to see opinions on varieties that interest me........(and we're one of 'those' families w/ sungold...I'm proud to say, I still run faster than my DH and kids, plus I'm meaner ;o) LOL.....That's why I'm gettin' 2, increasing their odds...lol)..............T

TracerRacer - I don't think you'll be disappointed with Green Grape... Just my opinion...

Another vote against Celebrity.

Dave

Just now I read down through the list of varieties that folks didn't like and for every one that someone doesn't like I know there are others that love it. LOL

And that's the way it's always been when threads such as this are posted. I mean what are you going to do when person X says I really didn't like variety M and somneone loves the same variety.

Maybe best to look at some of the back posts here thru the search feature at the bottom of this first page and see which varieties consistently pop up on lots of folks tomato lists.

Better still is for each person to grow what interests them b/c no two folks grow their tomatoes the same way, have the same soil or use the same mix in containers, use the same amendments and have the same weather in any given growing season.

Carolyn

Can't you just offer a variety that you didn't care for????

I second the vote for Coyote.....total spitter.

Can't you just offer a variety that you didn't care for????

I'm sure she could but that doesn't make her point any less valid. Taste is totally subjective. Taste is personal opinion only and that and $1.25 get you a cup of coffee. Any variety that someone loves or hates has just as many that feel the opposite about it.

And she is correct that if one does a search here (as recommended in the forum directions) there are already 100's of "taste" discussions not to mention the 1000's of "favorite" and "least favorite" discussions posted in the past. So if someone wants a bunch of personal opinions on what tastes best or what tastes worst or which is your favorite on which would you never grow or which will you always grow or which should I grow or which is the best, etc., they can trust that it has already been discussed numerous times and can be searched and read.

So if you wish to add to this most recent opinion list, please, by all means do so, but please don't fault someone for politely pointing out the obvious. ;)

The only way to evaluate tomato taste is to grow your own and see what taste best to you.

Dave

Well said, Dave!

I started Porterhouse Beefsteaks from seed last year. Very productive, healthy, vigurous vines that put out lots of nice large globe shaped red tomatoes but their taste was like drinking light beer.

Tim

Can't you just offer a variety that you didn't care for????

*****

Sure can John, and one variety would be Sandpoint, and there would be several hundred more that I'd put in the same category.

Carolyn posted:

Better still is for each person to grow what interests them b/c no two folks grow their tomatoes the same way, have the same soil or use the same mix in containers, use the same amendments and have the same weather in any given growing season.

****

And Dave has elaborated on that in his recent post. Perhaps I should have said more about individual difference in taste perception, but I forgot to do that.

Carolyn

With all due respect, I think what is important here is to realize that yes, there are lots of posts with likes/dislikes etc....however, there are always NEW people joining the forums who might like to discuss THEIR OWN likes and dislikes/experiences as well. As I said in my previous post, it is COMMON KNOWLEDGE that our views are going to be different -that isn't what this is about.

Most members here are fully aware that a search can be done to read particular posts, but here is my question: what is so wrong with starting a new thread and getting new people's views and perspectives? And, politely pointing out the the obvious is fine with me, but look what it started--- more postings where people feel as though they are being criticized for something that another member doesn't view as "necessary." I think if you don't want to participate in a particular thread, then don't---is it really worthwhile to point out the obvious just to point out the obvious if it might upset others?

I have enjoyed reading several older threads on this board, and I like to read the new threads, even if they are similar to former ones. I personally prefer and enjoy forums with members who offer support and help to those who post. What is the point of a forum if you can't feel comfortable asking questions or making discussion??! I love reading this forum and I hope that everyone can just respect each other and make it fun. OK rant over!! :0)

Joining in on the fun side...

I third the vote for Coyote and add a vote for Ceylon (sour bag of water and seeds). On the plus side both were gorgeous lil' tomatoes and super productive. I think there must be a Murphy's law about the relationship between how well a particular variety grows and how well you end up liking the taste of it.

Cindy

There was a thread last year. Tomatoes that suck. I almost stopped growing toms but trudi convinced me that each area grows the same tom differently so just try it, ya might like it even if someone else doesn't. If you haven't tried it go for it. If you want a really bad tasting tom after your garden is finished then buy from the grocery store in the winter or even the summer. There's no place like home for the flavor right of the vine.

Rory

But... but... I LIKE CELEBRITY!

Perhaps it's just a sentimental attachment. It was the first tomato I grew myself from seeds, many years ago. It was so effortless, and the tomatoes were so pretty, they tasted wonderful to me. I think perhaps the best thing about them, though, is that they were effortless compared to some of these heirlooms that get sick if you don't hover over them with a spray bottle. Highly recommended as a first tomato. Taste? Yeah, I can see your point. There are a lot of tastier tomatoes. Celebrity just tastes normal, but home-raised normal tomatoes are still very good for people used to store-bought.

"I'm sure she could but that doesn't make her point any less valid. Taste is totally subjective. Taste is personal opinion only and that and $1.25 get you a cup of coffee. Any variety that someone loves or hates has just as many that feel the opposite about it.

And she is correct that if one does a search here (as recommended in the forum directions) there are already 100's of "taste" discussions not to mention the 1000's of "favorite" and "least favorite" discussions posted in the past. So if someone wants a bunch of personal opinions on what tastes best or what tastes worst or which is your favorite on which would you never grow or which will you always grow or which should I grow or which is the best, etc., they can trust that it has already been discussed numerous times and can be searched and read.

So if you wish to add to this most recent opinion list, please, by all means do so, but please don't fault someone for politely pointing out the obvious. ;)

The only way to evaluate tomato taste is to grow your own and see what taste best to you.

Dave"

What is the topic of this thread? Please stay on topic. The original poster did not ask to hear the glorified opinions of you or anyone else about the "philosophy of tomato taste". It was a simple question...which you had already answered btw. The original poster is performing a perfectly valid statistically based method of determining which tomatoes he or she wants to grow or not grow as the case may be. ODDS ARE, that MOST people are going to agree on the better tasting and worse tasting tomato varieties. So considering that there is, of course, no objective or universal way of categorizing taste, this is a perfectly logical way of narrowing down a grow list.

I haven't had one heart variety that tasted great. And I've grown half a dozen varieties. They all are big pasty tomatoes that are great for sauce, but for fresh eating, not.

MAN!!! You can tell the "saps a risen" at the forum.I would have to say that Black Plum was not what I expected. I'm gonna grow Black Cherry this year and hope it's a lot better.I keep reading how much people love it. I will not grow Yellow Pear again either (waste of space). Theresa

Costoluto Genovese (worst taste HANDS DOWN!)
Silvery Fir Tree (not so close second)

Troy

(((....poster reserves the right to "like" or "dislike" any possible variety based on "any possible" quality parameters. Soil condition, weather, or any other extraneous factor will not be considered in such "likeability" as is stated above, unless, or therefore duly enumerated, which may only be relevant to the irrelavance "perceived" by all willing or unwilling parties. Taste... (or any other version of the word "taste") may or may not be used indiscriminately to describe any thing other than the actual "taste" (of stated fruit) not withstanding texture, color, or any other implausable possibility contained herein, or therein, related to the most strict interpretation of growers intent. Be thereforeart-thou warned that any deviance from these so stated "ideas" may result in a "breech of contract" from which misunderstipulation would be the primary culprit (of 'said' taste bias)....)))

"(((....poster reserves the right to "like" or "dislike" any possible variety based on "any possible" quality parameters. Soil condition, weather, or any other extraneous factor will not be considered in such "likeability" as is stated above, unless, or therefore duly enumerated, which may only be relevant to the irrelavance "perceived" by all willing or unwilling parties. Taste... (or any other version of the word "taste") may or may not be used indiscriminately to describe any thing other than the actual "taste" (of stated fruit) not withstanding texture, color, or any other implausable possibility contained herein, or therein, related to the most strict interpretation of growers intent. Be thereforeart-thou warned that any deviance from these so stated "ideas" may result in a "breech of contract" from which misunderstipulation would be the primary culprit (of 'said' taste bias)....)))"

Thank you so much.........It's now as clear as mud! lol........T ( those $20 words made all the difference ) ;o)

adk13 - you mentioned Principe Borghese earlier. When I tried them last year, mine turned out similar to yours, mushy and barely edible (they'd been described as a good fresh-eating tomato in addition to drying, so I was surprised). But then I dried them. Wow, dried ones were fabulous! "They" were right about that. So I went from 'Bleah, no use bothering with these again,' to planning to grow them again this year and dry a bunch to give as Christmas gifts.

MA

And again in the catagory of "everyone's taste preferences are different" - I absolutely love the Coyote's I grow here in NW Pennsylvania. My mother (75 yrs. old) having grown tomatoes most of her life, also likes them a great deal. From all the bad comments on it I would be tempted to think I didn't have the real Coyote, but my Coyote's fit the descriptions I have read of the variety. Indeed it would be a boring world if we all liked the same thing! LOL!
Karen

I like the term "spitter" :)
Here's my list of spitters: Rose, White Beefsteak
Dissapointed in Green Zebra, Black Prince, Mortgage Lifter.
(Doof, I'm a closet fan of Celebrity too :)

I have a pretty long list of "spitters", but will keep it a few of the more memorably forgettable varieties grown since 2004 - Copia, Vintage Wine, Silvery Fir Tree, Saucy Green, Sophie's Choice, Mayo's Delight, Victorian Dwarf #1, Dwarf Recessive, Black Plum, Micado, Ananas Noire.

Caveat - some of these were one shot deals, so the particular season could have been off for the variety. So, nothing scientific about this list - just one person's opinion!

Craig

nctomatoman: you've tried some varieties I've never heard of, interesting!
Mockapple: I'm glad I'm not alone on the principe borghese thing...maybe I'll try a plant of those this year just meant for drying and explore that area. I've never dried them before....

thanks again for playing, everyone. I always enjoy reading others' opinions and views in the tomato arena...

Kellogs Breakfast is a low producer for me over the last 3 years, poor texture and no flavor.
Black Cherry is OK, but a little strong for my taste.

This winter has been unusually warm, and my tomato plants are just about done for. Last year they produced until the middle of May.

I just saw another one that I didn't like on someone's trade list. Red Lightning hybrid is definitely a spitter. It's a very pretty tomato with red and orange streaks and about the size of a lacrosse ball, but it's very sour tasting.

I'll play!
Costoluto Genovese - flavorless,mealy and PROLIFIC!
Green Zebra
Black Cherry

FWIW, I loved the Sungolds so much, despite tough skins, that I changed their name to Crackgold.

I have to say I'm not a fan of roma tomatoes in general... Im not sure why but they are never good fresh and thats the best way to eat tomatoes IMO. Someone told me they are good for jarring as peeled tomatoes for pasta sauces, so I'll have to try it.

"Dwarf Recessive"

LOL! Who would name a tomato, "dwarf recessive?" Maybe a tomato eugenicist.