Mini-Report from the Field: West Seattle Farmers Market Tomato Tasting

Today, the West Seattle Farmers Market has a tomato tasting.  Will and Carolyn, last year's apple tasting hosts, go to that market every weekend with their pretty adorable daughters Clara and Annabelle, so I invited myself along as I love both tomatoes and tastings.  A twofer!

But this report is mini because I must have used up all my boldness horning in on their errands.  I had a sudden shyness fit at the tasting and didn't really maximize my picture-taking and question-asking.  I did not, therefore, come away with as much information as I would have liked.  (This is the number one reason why I can't ever be an actual reporter: my inexplicable occassional terror of Being in the Way or Being a Bother.)

I did, though, get the most important thing: some tomato tips.

(This, though, is a totally unhelpful picture of a tomato I am not about to be talking about.)

My overall favorite was a lovely mottled purply one called "Japanese Truffle" from Billy's Organic Produce.  The flavor was the most well-balanced, in my opinion, with both tart brightness and sweet roundness. 

I also liked the Momotaro from Candles Produce, although the flavor was a bit almost ridiculous, like so sassy you couldn't use it as universally as I think you would with the Japanese Truffle. 

Will steered me to the Summer Gem, also from Billy's.  The tomato was so sweet, it actually tasted already cooked.  Carolyn was a fan of the Not Quite Brandywine, although Will and I found that one to be a little too mild.

While it seems like it's getting late in the season, these might be some interesting varieties to look out for when shopping at the farmers market.