Color = Flavor?

[cannaisseur]

I was wondering two questions. Which color tomatoes are known for having the best overall flavor? Is it possible to describe a typical flavor for the different colors? I am looking for comparisons and opinions on what people like in regards to different types and colors.

[lavandulagirl]

I think that's a great question! I haven't eaten too many non-red tomatoes, so I can't honestly give a firm opinion. I think there's a factor of anticipatory flavor, as well. By virtue of their apperance, I expect yellow toms to have a more citrus-y flavor, and greens texture to be firmer. Does anyone else experience this, or is it just me? I think it colors my eating experience, if they don't taste the way I thought they would. Seems to me, that would affect their viability at the local farmer's market, right?

[cannaisseur]

It might, especially with those who are used to only seeing the typical red types.
I have heard from one person that its their opinion the purple types have the most flavor overall. Does anyone agree, or disagree?

[Alan]

Well, since I don't eat 'maters I can't speak for my own personal opions, however being a marketer I can say that I have noticed 2 colours that will always sell from my stand long before the others:

large pink types
and Large black types

Reds and yellows and stripes are next

followed by Green When Ripes

and lastly Whites.

However, if it's a cherry tomato, all bets are off!

[bluelacedredhead]

The only place I've ever even seen a White Tomato is in the Baker Creek catalogue. But I've heard good things about them online for use in tomato sauce to be eaten with seafood.
So I can't say anything about their flavour, cuz I've never had the opportunity to see one, let alone dine on one??

[Alan]

Well blue, remind me this fall and I will send you seed for a couple of types. I tried one last year, out of curiosity, let me put it this way, I hate the taste of tomatoes, but I coulda put it on a sanwhich and ate it! I don't know if thats good for tomato lovers or not?
-Alan

[johno]

I have never eaten a green-when-ripe before, but I'm growing Green Moldovan this year. We'll see...

All the others, except for the black/purples are similar in taste except for sweetness, to me.

The dark colored ones have a different flavor. It's kind of earthy.

[brook]

Food questions that keep you up at night:

1. How do you know when the sour cream turns bad?
2. How do you know when a green tomato is ripe?

But I digress.

In fact, when you take them as a group, there is no way you can objectively connote flavor with color. Pigment has little to do with the acid-sugar-flavoroid mix. But subjectively, most of us do.

For instance, even though I know it's not true, you'll never convince me on the gut level that cherry tomatoes aren't all too sweet (I don't eat them, in fact, cuz if I want a candy bar I'll get a Snickers). To me, yellow tomatoes are sweet. Pinks, overall, have the best flavor. Etc.

Johno, I agree with you about the blacks. Kind of earthy, maybe saltyish. But I wonder if we'd feel that way in a blind taste test?

[bluelacedredhead]

Brook, What a great idea! Maybe we should each get our friends or families or co-workers or marketstand customers to do a blind taste test with the different varieties we are growing this year? Then compare notes?!!
I'm growing a black (it's a mutt version of Akers W.Va for fun), Green Zebra, Thai Pink Egg (also grape type), Jerry's German Giant (striped), umteen red and pink standards and a dwarf yellow. Should be more than enough to form some kind of opinion on this subject.

[landarc]

I unmderstand the science that Brook references, but, honeslty, I have biases based on my own experience. I don't care for white maters, the 3 or 4 varieties I tasted were all mild to bleck, for me, I am done trying them. I eat gwr tomatoes, and prefer the bigger ones for texture, to my palette, they seemed a bit more acidic and intense. I think black tomatoes are, a little earthier, although I will say, I don't go out of my way to eat them (that said, i am hoping to grow Black Trifele this year). I prefer reds, as to me, the flavor is a little more intense than pinks, and they are the flavor profile I most look for when eating a mater.

[brook]

That's what I'm saying, Bob. We all have biases, based on our own experience. And it's hard to overcome them.

You know what the Irish say: Facts should not sway you in the light of higher truths. And so it is.

I have, for instance, at least one yellow (well, actually more like orange) with as rich, complex a flavor you'll ever find. But if you ask me, I'll still say that yellows are all sweet.

Wen, I hope you're not disappointed with the Thai Pink Egg. Almost everybody who's grown it has been.

[bluelacedredhead]

Brook, it was a trade, mostly as an addition for my Poultry Theme garden. And Flowerpower sent me Green Zebra's which I've seen really good reviews on, as well as Really Really Bad ones.. should be an interesting year for maters at my house if they all turn out to be Blech!

[brook]

Hmmmmmm? I've never heard a bad review about Green Zebra. I'll be interested to hear what you think about it.

[landarc]

I don't care for Green Zebra. I won;t say a really bad mater, that would be nuts, but, it isnt one I plant or buy

[downinmyback]

I have heard Green Zebra had a tart taste to it and it was best mixed with other tomato in a salad. I am growing several greens this year so i will tell everyone how i rate them.