For the first time ever, there will be a class for tomatoes at the National Fruit Show this autumn.
There will be just one competition for tomatoes to find the “tastiest tomato” and it will be open to all tomato types; cherry, plum or round.
“There has been a lot of consultation between the society and the Tomato Growers Association. And we felt that the National Fruit Show was right now that the season has been extended and growers can produce enough good fruit in October.
“And we decided that in the inaugural year, rather than the old-fashioned classes we have top-fruit, for example, we need to focus on flavour, which is why we have decided on the tastiest tomato class,” explained show secretary Gill.
The new competition category is being sponsored by Marks & Spencer and first prize will be £200. The Tomato Growers Association will present a trophy.
The society is now seeking out judges for the competition and the panel is likely to include a chef from a top restaurant.
“This year, we may be staring small but the aim is to bring tomatoes to the attention of consumers so they will know that come October, which are the best tomatoes to buy,” said Gill.
The Tomato Growers Association will draw up a competition schedule and furnish the society with growers to be contacted to enter the competition.
