Ohio State University tested 10 heirloom tomatoes in a variety of sites in the Midwest in 2009.
The tomatoes evaluated included: Amish Paste, Brandywine (Sudduth/Quisenberry), Burbank, Cherokee Purple, Jaune Flamme, Opalka, Oxheart, (Livingston’s), Peron, Rutgers, and Tainan
The study collected data on germination rate, total yield per plant, yield judged to be marketable and taste.
On a scale of one to ten, none of the tomatoes scored above a six on taste, so I would be hesitant to regard that measure as a true indication. (taste tends to be very personal) However, the other data in the study may be useful to those looking at objectively measurable information about each varieties performance. Key findings:
- Amish paste showed poor germination rates.
- Peron, Juane Flamme, and Oxheart all produced more than 16 lbs per plant.
- Tainan, Rutgers, and Brandywine produced the fewest pounds of marketable fruit per plant.
A PDF of the report can be downloaded below.
Download Ohio State Tomato Ratings
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