HOLY TOMATO, BATMAN!

The online edition of the Indianapolis Star had this great story about tomatoes. Enjoy!

You say tomatoes!
Tantlizing and tasty, take your pick.

By Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Star correspondent

Sweet, tart, juicy — nothing beats a fresh-off-the-vine tomato, especially one that’s been ripening in the summer sun. Roma and plum varieties are fine. But if your taste buds are craving a newer take on the tomato for your salads and salsas, here are five to try:

‘Sugary’

A 2005 All-America Selection, this is a cherry tomato that is rated very high on the sugar index (called brix). ‘Sugary’ is a vigorous grower and may need to be pruned to keep in check. Yummy as a snack or in salads.

‘Black Krim’

This variety is a beautiful, reddish brown, 10-ounce tomato that almost looks black. This heirloom from the Black Sea of Russia has a rich flavor and a tinge of saltiness that makes it terrific sliced for sandwiches, in salads or as a side dish.

‘Green Zebra’

The plant takes on a yellow blush creating dark green stripes when it’s ready for picking. The smooth-skinned, 3-inch fruit is great for slicing for sandwiches, salads or as a side dish.

‘Brandywine’

This Amish heirloom beefsteak tomato may weigh a pound or more. This is one of the best-tasting tomatoes for salads, sandwiches or a side dish.

‘Better Boy’

Home gardeners love this variety for slicing in salads or as a side dish. The fruit weighs about a pound and is very round and disease-resistant.