LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2019

TOMATO TIME

With more than 300 varieties of toma- toes grown in Ontario, deciding what to plant at home can feel daunting. Simplify the choices with this cheat sheet on what’s available. Tomatoes 101 Roma (a.k.a. Italian plum) Thanks to high acidity, low seed counts and low water content, these torpedo- shaped tomatoes are sauce-ready. Look for San Marzano or Big Mama. Cherry and grape Their diminutive size, sweetness and thin skins make these perfect for snacking or a quick sauté. Try colourful Sun Golds (orange) and Black Cherries (purple). Heirloom Many purists prefer the higher sugar content and superior flavour of heirloom varieties, which vary widely by size, colour and taste. Look for Lemon Boy or Black Krim. Beefsteak Craving a BLT? Use thick slices of this juicy, robust and tangy variety (also great with fresh mozzarella or as chunky salad wedges). Top types include Big Beef and Whopper. 3 4 2 1

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Great for patio pots: tolerant of poor soil and pests.

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HomeGardenPick

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Hybrid (not shown) Cross-bred for better yields, longer shelf life and disease resistance, these are the choice of most large growers. Watch for varieties like Early Girl (just 50 days to maturity).

If all goes well, Ontario gardens may welcome a new, yet-to-be-named tomato plant in 2020. Valerio Primomo (a research scientist and vegetable-breeding expert at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Lincoln, Ont.) and his colleagues are hoping to develop the perfect tomato for Ontario, with higher yields and better taste. In his quest, Primomo has learned much about ideal tomato-growing conditions: see some of his tips on page 70.

Local Perfection

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SUMMER 2019 FOOD & DRINK