Question
What insights does Natasha Nicholes offer on growing diverse tomato varieties?
Answer
Natasha talks about tomatoes in terms of both scale and purpose.
From farm tours in California, she learned why processing tomatoes are usually roma-type: firm, low moisture, fewer seeds, and lots of flesh so they cook down quickly into paste without losing tomato flavor. That pushed her to think more intentionally about choosing varieties that match how her family will use them.
At home, she loves growing a mix of colors and types—deep red, sun orange, and green tomatoes for fried green tomatoes—because that diversity brings different flavors and uses to the table and makes her feel “homestead-ish.” She also highlights the difference between hybrids and GMOs, noting that processed tomatoes are often hybrids bred for traits like firmness and viscosity.
Are you looking to grow tomatoes for fresh eating, canning, or sauce?