Two of the tomatoes I picked yesterday were from plants I bought at a supermarket and planted early (August 23). I can't remember their name. I only planted two and passed the rest onto a friend...with the label. The other one was a green zebra (above)...I think, only it isn't green...except for the seeds. It was one I bought in a variety pack of four from Diggers.
At first, I was thrilled when I cut open the other one...no seeds!
Firm, flesh all the way through and full of flavour!
However, as I munched my lunch I got to thinking about the lack of seeds.
Is this variety one selectively bred by gardeners in the traditional manner, crossing and re-crossing plants with fewer and fewer seeds? Or is it one of the new genetically manipulated varieties?
Maybe I will never know, but I think it is time to take a little more care with what I plant, and record the varieties better.
It's interesting isn't it? One of our friends who shared New Year's Eve with us is studying Botany, science and all things green at uni and is achieving amazing results in his exams so I am inclined to listen when he starts talking veggies etc. Apparently this lack of seeds in watermelon, tomatoes and even capsicum (I think - it was getting a bit late for a sensible discussion!)is all to do with customer demand. We are getting to lazy to spit out the old watermelon seeds etc. So, as you say, is it just selected varieties that may be phased out or will they always have some seeded veggies and fruit to ensure future crops? Certainly highlights the need for seed saving to me.
ReplyDeleteJan
Hazel, I bought a tomato plant last year, and quite stupidly threw the label out when I planted, it was the most prolific tomato I have ever had...apricot sized fruit, perfect for salad, to eat whole, or slice...anyway it was the first plant I planted and the last one standing that season, still fruiting...amazing. And it had seeds..............by gardening miracle it must have flew over to the other bed and self seeded one plant that got chewed by earwigs down to a small (tiny) green stick...but I kept on watering it...you should see it now, it is huge, covered in fruit and is the same one from last year..........the act of the humble seed no matter how tiny always has me in awe of the garden ...and nature........have seeds will grow....so, yes, seedy tomatoes....not so bad afterall.....( arnt those tomatoes just delicious...we are enjoying ours so much)
ReplyDeleteGoodness! I haven't had it with a plant yet but I have had some shop tomatoes without seeds.
ReplyDeleteI like your thinking very much...and that makes a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI had some Green Zebra in 2011, and they were very green - both inside and out (though with some yellow streaks on the outside). I felt it was over-rated; nice but not THAT nice. Sometimes Garden Centres label thier plant incorrectly, as you discovered.
ReplyDeleteTomatoes without seeds? That can't be normal! :/
ReplyDelete~S.
A search on Google convinces me that there are no GMO tomatoes being grown anywhere at this time. I'm also willing to bet that you will find some seeds (probably not very many) in future fruits from that plant.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, as Mark says, the Green Zebra is yellow and green striped on the outside, with green flesh.
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My green zebras last year ripened to green and yellow on the outside, and to be honest I found them quite bitter compared to my other varieties and I'm not planning on planting them again. Is yours a tigerella tomato, maybe?
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