Produce Pete: Strawberry Tomatoes

A tomato is a fruit, but in the United States we treat it like a vegetable. Tomatoes didn't become popular in the U.S. until after the Civil War. Now the tomato is the third most popular vegetable/fruit in the United States -- after potatoes and lettuce.

Strawberry Tomato Tips - Should have good red color - Stem should be attached - Never refrigerate - Do not wash until ready to use - Do not remove stem until ready to use - Never ripen in the sun

A really good tomato is sweet, tender and juicy with a rich red color, and that's just what these strawberry tomatoes are. In the winter, fall and spring, tomatoes with a real taste are hard to come by; these have the taste.

Grown in hothouses, they originated in Holland and now are grown in Canada. The tomatoes are picked with the stems still attached for a couple of reasons. First, the tomato can stay on the vine longer, becoming more red and sweet. Next, the tomatoes will still be getting nutrients from the stem, which makes it last longer and enhances sweetness. Like all tomatoes, you never want to refrigerate them because they will lose their flavor and texture. You should not wash or remove the stem until you are ready to use them. Also, never ripen on the windowsill or in the sun. Leave them out on the counter and never, never, never refrigerate.

When selecting, look for a good red color, check to see if the stems are still attached, and give them a smell. Strawberry tomatoes will have that fresh, homegrown smell and a great taste.

The strawberry tomatoes come in 9-ounce clamshells. They are what we call super-sweet with a high sugar content of about 9.3 brix (sugar). They have a great taste, and are pulpy and meaty as opposed to watery. The unique shape and appearance differentiates them from cherry and grape tomatoes. With a long shelf life, this tomato is the fastest-growing specialty tomato in Europe. They might be a little hard to find at first, but as they become more and more popular you'll see more and more of them.

Strawberry tomatoes are brand-new item to the market place, and Produce Pete and WNBC's Weekend Today in New York show are pleased to introduce them to you. Remember, you saw it here first! Enjoy!