Tomatoes are judged by a panel of experts on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape. The contest is sponsored by the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and hosted by the Boston Public Market Association. This friendly contest is open to commercial tomato growers and is designed to increase consumer’s awareness of local agriculture.
Schedule of Events:
8:45 am to 10:45 am – Tomato drop-off and registration
11:00 am – Judging of tomatoes by panel of experts
12:30 pm– Presentation of awards
Tomato Contest Criteria
- Flavor: 10 points possible. The perfect tomato should have a strong tomato taste, be slightly acidic, juicy and fresh tasting with a tender skin.
- Firmness/Slicing Quality: 5 points possible. A desirable tomato should have a dense uniform thick wall with many seed cavities, completely filled with a jelly-like mass. The firmness of the tomato should be pleasing, not too mushy and not too hard. It should be such that it will bruise if dropped, yet is not over-ripe.
- Exterior Color: 5 points possible. The winning tomato has a uniform color, is free of green shoulders and has no evidence of blotchy ripening or other defects.
- Shape: 5 points possible. Tomatoes come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the variety. Their shape should be symmetrical, but most important, the tomatoes in each entry should be uniform in size.
PRIZES: First, second, and third place tomato trophies will be awarded in all four categories.
Top 5 certificates will also be given in each category.
How to Register:
Each farm entry is required to submit a registration form (.doc or .pdf). All of the required tomato details and categories are explained on the registration form.*A registration form is required with each farm entry.*
If you are unable to bring your tomatoes to Boston, please contact one of the following representatives to confirm drop-off entry(s). Drop off is scheduled for Monday, August 19, at the following locations (check times below).
Northeastern Massachusetts:
- Grant Family Farm, Contact Chris Grant: 978- 423-6694. Drop off between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. 866 Main Street, West Newbury, 01985
Southeastern Massachusetts:
- Langwater Farm, Contact Kevin or Kate O’Dwyer: 508-205-9665, thefarmers@langwaterfarm.com; Drop off between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, 215 Washington Streett, Route 138, North Easton MA 02356
Central Massachusetts:
- MDAR Southboro Office, Contact Rick LeBlanc: 617-655-3529, Richard.LeBlanc@mass.gov. Drop off between 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. 225 Turnpike Rd (Rt. 9), Southboro, 01772
Western Massachusetts:
- CISA, Contact Jennifer Williams: 413-665-7100 ext. 10 or Jennifer@buylocalfood.org. Drop off between 9:00 am and 3:00pm. One Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, 01373. When dropping off tomatoes at the CISA office, please enter the building through the side door on Graves Street. There will be a table set up in the lobby for your tomatoes.
For more information regarding the Tomato Contest please contact David Webber, 857-348-3689 or David.Webber@mass.gov.