The Boston Globe has an interesting article
today about heirloom tomatoes, frankly asking if they're really
worth all the hype and extra cost. There's no question that many of
us have been caught in the romance and nostalgia they represent.
But should we be? As Beth Teitell writes: "But I am under the
power of something, and it's more powerful than nicotine, or even
an heirloom at its best, which is pretty seductive. Hype - that's
what's got me by the wallet."
The answer, like many, is not all that straightforward - and, in
retrospect, that should be obvious. Further on in the article, Beth
quotes a local gardener, "Alas, like relatives, not all
tomatoes are the kind you really want around. Some [heirlooms] are
fantastic, and some are horrible" Harvey says. "There's a reason
they were left behind."
The article continues to be make several thought-provoking
points, but one we would add is not to feel lacking if you've
bought an heirloom tomato and wondered what all the excitement was
about. Yes, certainly try them out, and if you find one that sings
to you that's wonderful - but if you find a few that aren't worth
the cost, it's the tomato, not you.
