Flavor Is Price of Scarlet Hue of Tomatoes, Study Finds page

[Grok]

Now, in a paper published in the journal Science, researchers report that the very gene that was inactivated by that mutation plays an important role in producing the sugar and aromas that are the essence of a fragrant, flavorful tomato. And these findings provide a road map for plant breeders to make better-tasting, evenly red tomatoes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/29/sc...=MYWAY&ei=5065

[bloodorchid]

#s 2 & 4 belong on my plate now pls

[julie43]

Tomatoland, by Barry Estabrook - I live in Florida and I am just getting into this book (Florida is a major grower of tomatoes), I always try to buy my tomatoes from a farmers market- but they are still so ....dull. When I am able to grow my own the difference is astounding. Tomatoes are one of my top favorite foods, it is difficult to get really good ones. Far to often I 'settle' so I dont jave none. I hate that.

[Artichoke]

I buy Dutch grown Heirloom tomatoes from Lidl, which are USDA certified organic so presumably they are exported to USA as well. They aren't all uniform shapes, sizes or colours and have different flavours.

Commercial growers in the EU can only grow approved varieties of produce and it is expensive to go through this process.

The worry is that old varieties will die out so there is a National Fruit Collection farm for example and various associations which send out free seeds to members for them to grow at home.

As to GM in the EU, currently it's banned and as the general public is very much against it (and GM has to be labelled) I don't see it becoming a factor unless Europeans in all 27 countries get complacent.