Rutgers Heirloom Tomatoes
The Rutgers Heirloom Tomato was bred in 1928 by crossing the Marglobe with J. T.D. variety. The tomato ripens from the center outward, causing a more uniform internal red color. It is disease resistant with vigous foliage. This helps reduce sunscald. These heirloom tomaoes average 3-4 inches across and 2-3 inches high, often close to a pound in size. They have a handsome globe shape, slightly
flattened.
The Rutgers was widely grown for processed tomatoes in the first half of the 20th century. Over 70% of commercial tomatoes were the heirloom variety, Rutgers at that time. They have thick fleshy walls, a littly softer than most modern varieties that are bred to withstand trucking rather than produce flavor.
The fruit is smooth, with few cracks. They make great slicers or canners.
The Rutgers heirloom tomato is one of those heirlooms that has proven itself all across the country. It does better in warm areas rather than cool and wet like the Pacific Northwest. It was THE tomato for Campbell's soup
for years. This is because it produced well year after year.
