First tomato of 2006

This was the very first tomato of the year from the plot. It looked so cute propped up against a courgette that I could hardly bear to eat it.

Actually, when I did eat it the flavour wasn't particularly good. How disappointing! The variety was Whippersnapper, a pinkish-red cherry tom that has a reputation for ripening early, but the flavour just wasn't there.

While it might not win any taste contests, I think this little fruit might just be in with a chance if only Dr Charles had decided to include a "cutest tomato" category in his tomato contest ...

I also have a good feeling about my Brandywine tomatoes for the largest tomato category. The pic to the right shows the largest of the fruits, which quite literally looks like a coiled spring.

I am hoping that the current intense hot weather (44C on my thermometer in the garden in direct sunlight) should ripen some of the more tasty varieties in the next few days. I planted my tomato plants deep into the ground so that the stems would throw out plenty of extra roots, and it does seem to be working at keeping them from wilting in the heat. 

Comments

[drcharles]

MMMmmm. Looks good, sorry the taste was a dissappointment. my tomatoes (roma, rutgers, and cherry) are getting pounded by the heat wave here in the states. i should have had a category for "most decrepit" to insure my own victory.

btw - the tomato contest had moved here:
http://scienceblogs.com/drcharles/2006/07/the_first_sunday_in_july.php
see you in august :)

[Horst]

I harvested my first tomato about two weeks ago. Also slightly disappointing tastewise. The six tomatoes that followed were slightly better. I have high hopes for #8, 9 and 10, who should be ready tomorrow or on Monday.

[Jane Perrone]

ah, thanks for the updated link DrCharles, I've changed it in the post. "Gardener extraordinaire"? You must have the wrong blogger ...