The tomatoes in this week’s bag are a variety pack from Ho Farms. Specialty tomatoes are their signature product and they grow over 9 varieties of the wonderful fruit! These tomatoes are hand-picked at the peak of ripeness and make their way to O’ahu Fresh the very next day. Most supermarket tomatoes are picked when green to survive the abuse and time of their long trip to market… but these are vine-ripened and ready to eat when they arrive in your box. Just another perk of eating local!
Aside from being rich in vitamins C, fiber and potassium, tomatoes contain lycopene, a carotenoid with potent antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. All tomatoes can be classified by type: cherry, grape, beefsteak, plum (paste), slicing, and pear tomatoes based on their size, shape, and color.
Ho farms’ tomatoes are famous for their sweet flavor and crisp texture and are commonly eaten as a snack, used in salads as well as many other delicious recipes. Family tomatoes contain a combination of these varieties:
| Name | Color | Shape | Texture and Taste |
| Golden Grape | Dazzling Gold | Elongated/Oval | Thick skin – Less water content – Extra crunchy – Sugary, sweet taste |
| Grape | Bright Red | Elongated/Oval | Sweet and crisp – Extra long shelf life |
| Cherry | Red-Orange | Round | Juicy with complex flavors – Initially tart but leaves a sweet aftertaste |
| Kahuku Golden | Gold Orange | Round | Fine texture – Sweet and light, almost a fruity flavor |
| Currant | Deep Red | Round | Sweet tomato flavor with a tart aftertaste |
| Baby Roma | Radiant Red | Elongated/Oval | Balanced flavor – Light taste |
How to Store Tomatoes:
Tomatoes do not require refrigeration! Cooler temperatures can reduce flavors and cause mushiness, so keep fresh, uncut tomatoes in a cool place and consume them within 5 days. If you want to save them for a later time, freeze the tomatoes in freezer bags and use them for cooking when needed.
