Everglades Tomato: A Juicy Slice of Florida Agriculture

Key Takeaways

• The Everglades region provides ideal climate conditions for growing flavorful tomatoes with warm weather, sunshine, and muck soil.
• Everglades Tomatoes are known for their large size, oblong shape, vibrant red color, balanced sweet/tangy flavor, and firm texture.
• Everglades Tomatoes generate over $400 million annually, accounting for 25,000 acres of production in Florida.
  The crop added thousands of agricultural jobs and helped expand Florida’s agriculture beyond citrus and winter crops.
• Consumers pay premium prices for Everglades Tomatoes and appreciate their sweet, tangy flavor, color, and versatility.

Everglades Tomato: A Juicy Slice of Florida Agriculture

The Everglades region of southern Florida conjures images of lush wetlands, sweeping fields of sawgrass, and abundant wildlife. But beyond its iconic scenery, the Everglades is also home to a thriving agricultural industry.

One of its most famous crops is the Everglades Tomato, a juicy, flavorful variety synonymous with Florida produce.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the Everglades Tomato’s history, cultivation, and unique traits. We’ll also examine its impact on Florida agriculture and its lasting popularity with consumers.

A Brief History of Everglades Tomato

The Everglades Tomato traces its roots back to the early 20th century when tomato farming first took hold in areas near Florida’s Everglades. The warm, humid climate and nutrient-rich muck soil provided ideal tomato growth conditions.

Farmers found the Everglades Tomato grew particularly well. Its yields were bountiful, and the tomato had a vibrant red color and distinctive sweet yet tangy taste.

By the 1950s, the Everglades Tomato had emerged as a premium variety. Its reputation for quality and flavor increased demand across the Eastern Seaboard and Midwest markets.

Today, the Everglades Tomato retains its prestige status with consumers. It’s a staple crop in Florida agriculture, adding millions in revenue annually to the state’s economy.

Cultivation in the Everglades Region

The Everglades region provides the perfect environment for cultivating tomatoes. Its long growing season enables farmers to produce multiple crops each year.

• The warm climate allows tomatoes to be grown from October to June without the threat of frost or freezes.
• Abundant sunshine fuels growth and ripening.
• Sandy soils drain well while holding moisture and nutrients.
• High humidity reduces water loss and plant stress.

Everglades Tomatoes are grown using stakes and trellising rather than letting the plants sprawl across the ground. This allows for more controlled growth and protects the tomatoes from soil contact.

Common pests like whiteflies and worms are controlled through integrated pest management practices. Drip irrigation maximizes water efficiency in the semi-tropical climate.

Traits and Flavor

Beyond its ideal growing conditions, the Everglades Tomato has unique traits contributing to its premium status.

• Size – Everglades Tomatoes are medium to large-sized beefsteak types. A mature fruit often reaches 6-8 ounces.
• Shape – Oblong and oval shapes are common, with flat bottoms instead of pointed tips.
• Color – The vibrant red color comes from ample lycopene. Some striping may occur.
• Flavor – The balance of sugars and acids gives these tomatoes a sweet, tangy taste. The flesh is juicy and firm.
• Shelf life – Thick walls and skin allow Everglades Tomatoes to stay fresh for 1-2 weeks without bruising.
• Yield – High humidity and consistent nutrition bolster yields to about 45,000 pounds per acre.

The trademark taste of an Everglades Tomato comes from the right balance of sugar and acidity. Extended sunlight exposure increases the sugar content. Low nighttime temperatures maintain acidity. The result is a complex, robust flavor.

Impact on Florida Agriculture

The Everglades Tomato has left an indelible mark on Florida’s agricultural landscape. It commands higher market prices as a premium crop than regular field tomatoes.

• Everglades Tomatoes generates over $400 million in annual revenue.
• Nearly 25,000 acres are devoted to Everglades Tomato production.
• The crop adds thousands of agricultural jobs in harvesting and packing.
• Florida accounts for 75% of U.S. fresh market tomato production.

The success of Everglades Tomatoes has expanded Florida’s agriculture beyond citrus and winter vegetables. It’s enabled small family farms to thrive alongside large commercial producers.

Even with competition from Mexico and greenhouse operations, the Everglades Tomato remains a staple crop in Florida fields.

Lasting Popularity with Consumers

The unique traits and flavor of Everglades Tomatoes have earned the loyalty of consumers across the United States.

Markets highlight Everglades Tomatoes as premium produce. Branding conveys their specialty status. Retail prices typically run $2-$3 per pound for fresh Everglades Tomatoes, above the cost of conventional tomatoes.

Consumers appreciate Everglades Tomatoes for:

• Sweet, tangy flavor – Excellent for eating fresh or incorporating into recipes.
• Firm texture – Flesh stays firm with fewer seeds. Great for slicing, cooking, and canning.
• Vibrant color – Bright red color signifies ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Popular for salads, salsas, sauces.
• Versatility – Good for all uses, from sandwiches to simmered dishes.

As a result, consumer demand remains robust for Everglades Tomatoes. Their unique agricultural roots in southern Florida add to their appeal and perception as a premium product.

The Everglades Tomato tells a fascinating story of agricultural innovation. Farmers unlocked the potential for growing flavorful, juicy tomatoes in a unique wetlands ecosystem. That premium variety became a staple crop in Florida’s fields and a consumer favorite nationwide. The Everglades Tomato remains an iconic slice of sunshine from America’s produce aisles.

How to Grow Everglades Tomatoes?

Everglades Tomato: Some Noticeable Facts

1. – Everglades tomatoes are grown in the agricultural area around Lake Okeechobee in southern Florida, with over 700,000 acres of rich farmland perfect for tomato cultivation.
2. – The peak season for juicy, flavorful Everglades tomatoes is March through June, at their reddest and ripest. During these months, an impressive 35,000 tons of tomatoes are harvested from the Everglades region.
3. – Everglades Tomato Sauce is made from over 500,000 pounds of fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes each season to produce the sweet, tangy flavor.
4. – Everglades tomatoes are packed with 40 times more lycopene than other tomato varieties, thanks to the area’s ideal growing conditions. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant.
5. – Tomato lovers can find Everglades tomatoes at farmer’s markets, roadside stands, and grocery stores across Florida during peak season. Many restaurants also highlight them on menus.
6. – The most common varieties grown are mature green, grape, Roma, beefsteak, and cherry tomatoes, prized for their flavor, texture, and appearance.
7. – Everglades tomatoes have a higher sugar content, around 4.5%, making them extra sweet and delicious. Other tomatoes average only 3-4% sugar content.
8. – Farmers in the Everglades region use sustainable practices to grow tomatoes without any GMOs or synthetic pesticides. The quality is closely monitored.
9. – Consuming Everglades tomatoes provides numerous health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health thanks to antioxidants like lycopene.
10. – Everglades Tomato Recipes range from classic like BLTs to more creative like Tomato Pie, with 20+ ways to enjoy their fresh flavor.
11. – The rich soil, sunny climate, and lake humidity create ideal conditions for Everglades tomatoes to thrive year after year.
12. – The area now produces over 75% of all the tomatoes grown in Florida, accounting for hundreds of millions annually. Everglades tomatoes are vital to the state’s economy.
13. – Early Spanish settlers were the first to grow tomatoes in Florida in the 1500s. By the 1930s, the Everglades region emerged as the state’s prominent tomato supplier.
14. – During WWII, canned Everglades tomatoes fed over 15 million soldiers, boosting demand. Production increased with innovative farming methods.
15. – Everglades tomatoes have a dedicated following, with Tomato Lovers Festivals celebrating them annually. Consumers love their sweet, juicy flavor straight from the vine!
16. Here are ten fun facts about Everglades tomatoes for tomato lovers:
17. – The Everglades agricultural region provides ideal growing conditions for tomatoes with its subtropical climate and the perfect combination of humidity, heat, and sandy soil. This allows Everglades tomatoes to develop their signature sweet, tangy flavor.
18. – Peak season for fresh Everglades tomatoes runs from March to June when farmers harvest up to 20,000 pounds per acre. Tomatoes straight from the Everglades have an unbeatable just-picked taste.
19. – Everglades Tomato Sauce is made using only vine-ripened tomatoes harvested at their reddest. The tomatoes are crushed within hours to preserve bright, bold tomato flavor.
20. – Tomatoes were introduced to Florida by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. By the 1930s, the Everglades became the state’s prominent tomato supplier thanks to its fertile “muck” soil.
21. – The most common Everglades tomato varieties are mature green, grape, beefsteak, Roma, and cherry tomatoes, loved for their texture, appearance, and taste.
22. – Everglades tomatoes are packed with 40 times more lycopene than other tomatoes. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that gives it its rich red color.
23. – At the season’s peak, Everglades tomatoes have a higher sugar content of 4-5%. This natural sweetness balances the tanginess perfectly in Everglades tomato recipes.
24. – Everglades tomato farmers use sustainable practices to grow tomatoes without GMOs or synthetic pesticides, producing quality, naturally ripened tomatoes.
25. – Consuming Everglades tomatoes provides vitamin C, potassium, lycopene, and other nutrients. They offer health benefits like lowering cholesterol and inflammation.
26. – Everglades tomatoes are highlighted in creative recipes from salads to salsa at restaurants across Florida. Tomato lovers also enjoy them fresh in BLTs, skewers, bruschetta, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions About Everglades Tomatoes

What makes Everglades Tomatoes unique?

Everglades Tomatoes are known for their large size, oblong shape, vibrant red color, and balanced sweet and tangy flavor. The humid climate and nutrient-rich soil of the Everglades provide ideal growing conditions.

When is the peak season for Everglades Tomatoes?

The peak season for Everglades Tomatoes is from October to June. The warm, sunny climate allows for multiple growing cycles without the threat of frost or freeze.

How are Everglades Tomatoes cultivated?

Farmers use stakes and trellising to support the tomato plants off the ground. Drip irrigation maximizes water efficiency. Integrated pest management controls pests like whiteflies.

What is the shelf life of an Everglades Tomato?

Everglades Tomatoes have thick walls and skin that allow them to stay fresh for 1-2 weeks without bruising, much longer than a conventional tomato.

How can you use Everglades Tomatoes?

These flavorful tomatoes are extremely versatile. Use them fresh in salads, salsas, and sandwiches. Cook them into sauces, soups, and simmered dishes. They are also excellent for canning and preserving.