Top Tomatoes

Mexico developed the tomato as we know them today from a small cherry sized fruit that came from the Southern American Andes. Tomatoes proved to be a huge success in the United States in the 1800s, and were grown throughout the country. California quickly became the leader in crop yield because of its climate and soil. California currently produces nearly half of the world's tomatoes supply. In 1994, California was farming 311,000 acres of the crop and produced 10.75 million tons of tomatoes.

There are 2,750 genetic varieties of tomatoes and all grow very well in almost any part of the United States. California's tomatoes reach peak harvesting time around July through September and they are harvested twenty four hours a day. The overall season can run from July up to November.

California tomatoes appear in at least twenty two products used in the United States. Tomatoes can show up in products such as barbecue sauces, chile, and pork and beans just to name a few. More than sixty years ago, California formed the California Tomato Growers Association (CTGA). The CTGA is owned and operated by the growers themselves and is intended to help the growers in marketing their product. The product that is marketed in California is considered, by some, to be some of the very best in the United States. California growers developed a tomato that has a thicker skin. The "meat" of the tomato is firmer. These two qualities make this tomato easier to transport without causing damage to the fruit.