The Jersey Tomato: A Garden State Icon
Ask anyone from the Garden State what food represents New Jersey, and they’ll probably say the tomato. The NJ tomato is a symbol of the state’s agricultural roots and an important part of its culinary history. They’re popular with residents and tourists alike, and many New Jerseyans plan their summer meals around when their local farm stand will have them available.
Botanically speaking, a tomato is a fruit, but in the kitchen, it’s almost always used as a vegetable. Whether you consider it a fruit or a vegetable, the Jersey tomato is a star.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Jersey tomato, how it’s grown, the different varieties available, and the best ways to use it in your cooking. We’ll also discuss how to pick the right variety and use the best growing techniques to get the most out of your tomato plants.
A Brief History of the Jersey Tomato
It might surprise you to learn that people in New Jersey weren’t always so keen on tomatoes. Because tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, many initially thought they were poisonous!
But New Jersey’s climate and soil turned out to be perfect for growing tomatoes. Over time, the state became a major tomato-growing region.
Agricultural innovation played a big role. As farmers developed better growing techniques, tomato production soared. Soon, commercial tomato farming was booming across the state.
Today, the Jersey tomato is more than just a fruit (or vegetable, depending on who you ask). It’s a culinary icon, celebrated for its flavor and freshness. It’s a symbol of New Jersey’s agricultural heritage, and a key ingredient in countless local dishes.
The Rutgers Tomato: A New Jersey Original
The Rutgers tomato was developed right here in New Jersey, at Rutgers University. For a long time, it was the tomato of New Jersey, a symbol of our state’s agricultural heritage.
What made the Rutgers tomato so special? It was bred to resist disease and withstand the rigors of transportation. It also had a fantastic flavor and grew well in New Jersey’s climate. That made it perfect for local farmers.
The Rutgers tomato played a huge role in the canning industry. Its size, texture, and flavor made it ideal for processing and preserving. It was a workhorse for commercial tomato production.
Today, there’s a renewed interest in preserving the Rutgers tomato. Gardeners and farmers are working to revive this open-pollinated variety, saving seeds and sharing them to ensure that this New Jersey original continues to thrive.
Campbell’s Soup: Built on the Jersey Tomato
No discussion of New Jersey tomatoes would be complete without mentioning the Campbell Soup Company. In the early 20th century, Campbell’s began conducting extensive field experiments to develop better-tasting, higher-yielding, and disease-resistant tomatoes.
These efforts had a significant impact on New Jersey’s tomato industry, influencing commercial production and processing techniques. Campbell’s essentially helped shape the industry into what it is today.
The company even established a dedicated tomato research facility, constantly working to improve tomato cultivation and develop new and improved varieties. In many ways, the story of the Jersey tomato is the story of Campbell’s.
Growing Your Own Jersey Tomatoes: Variety Selection and Planting
Nothing tastes better than a homegrown tomato, still warm from the sun. If you’re looking to grow your own, here’s what you should know about choosing and planting your Jersey tomatoes.
Variety Selection
Picking the right tomato variety is key. You’ll want to consider whether you want a determinate, indeterminate, or semi-determinate variety. Determinate varieties grow to a certain size and then produce all their fruit at once, while indeterminate varieties keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season. Semi-determinate varieties fall somewhere in between.
Also, be sure to check the disease resistance of the variety you’re considering. Some common tomato diseases include Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, nematodes, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, and Early Blight.
Some New Jersey heirloom tomato varieties you might want to consider are Moreton, Ramapo, and Rutgers. Each has its own characteristics and is suited to different growing conditions.
Planting
Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day and well-drained soil. Before planting, it’s a good idea to get your soil tested and amend it with compost and fertilizer as needed.
When planting, be sure to space your plants properly and bury the stem slightly to encourage root growth. Wait until after the last frost to plant, so you don’t stress the plants.
Growing Healthy Tomato Plants: Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve chosen your varieties and planted them in the ground, here’s how to keep them growing strong.
Watering and Fertilizing
Your tomato plants will need at least an inch of water per week. Watering deeply and evenly is essential to keep the roots healthy and the plant thriving.
Side-dress the plants with fertilizer as they grow, using a fertilizer that’s designed for tomatoes and following the instructions on the product label.
Training and Pruning
There are several ways to train your tomato plants. They can be left to sprawl on the ground, or you can use cages or stakes to keep them upright. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of tomato you’re growing and the space you have available.
Pruning your tomato plants improves air circulation and fruit production. Remove the suckers (the small shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches) to focus the plant’s energy on developing those gorgeous, flavorful tomatoes.
Pest and Weed Control
Keep weeds down with gentle cultivation or a layer of mulch. Mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil and regulate soil temperature.
Keep an eye out for common tomato pests and diseases. Taking preventative measures and using organic pest control methods can help keep your plants healthy and productive all season long.
Common Tomato Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with the best care, tomatoes can sometimes run into problems. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Blossom end rot: This causes the bottom of the tomato to rot. You can prevent it by watering consistently and ensuring your soil has enough calcium.
- Sunscald: Too much sun can damage the fruit. Provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Fruit cracking: Inconsistent watering can cause the tomato skin to crack. Try to keep the soil moisture levels even.
In Conclusion
New Jersey tomatoes are more than just a delicious fruit; they’re a symbol of the state’s rich agricultural history and cultural identity. From their early beginnings to their role in the state’s economy, these tomatoes have left an indelible mark on New Jersey.
Today, it’s more important than ever to preserve and promote New Jersey tomato varieties. Gardeners can play a vital role by growing local favorites like the Rutgers, Ramapo, and Moreton, helping to keep these unique flavors alive for future generations.
So, this summer, be sure to savor the taste of a homegrown Jersey tomato. Whether you enjoy it sliced fresh, simmered into a sauce, or used in your favorite recipe, you’ll be experiencing a true taste of New Jersey.