Explore

Why Are Modern Tomatoes Harder and Last Longer Than Their Older Counterparts?

The modern tomato seems tougher, with a longer shelf life than its predecessors. But why is this the case?

11 September, 2024

“The Evolution of Tomatoes: Exploring the Science Behind Their Year-Round Availability and Enhanced Durability”

Thanks to advancements in agricultural science, many seasonal vegetables, including tomatoes, are now available year-round. Tomatoes, an essential ingredient in numerous dishes and sauces, are consistently accessible in the market, making it convenient for chefs to source this necessary produce.

However, a noticeable difference in the texture of modern-day tomatoes has emerged; they are significantly firmer than their predecessors. In the past, tomatoes were highly susceptible to bruising and damage, even with careful handling. It was common for tomatoes purchased later in the day to already exhibit signs of bruising. In contrast, today’s tomatoes maintain their resilience and integrity, even after passing through multiple intermediaries. They are also less prone to excessive ripening and can be stored for longer periods, both at room temperature and in the refrigerator, a stark contrast to the rapid spoilage of yesteryear.

In the past, tomatoes were highly vulnerable to bruising and damage.

The primary reason behind this phenomenon lies in the improvement of tomato varieties. To meet the demands of long-distance transportation and extended consumption, new tomato hybrids have been bred to possess increased toughness and resilience during transportation and storage. These modern varieties boast thicker skins and a more robust structure, reducing the likelihood of bruising and cracking. Moreover, they exhibit improved disease resistance, demonstrating better protection against bacteria and mold, which further contributes to their extended shelf life. By minimizing bruising, consumers benefit from more affordable prices and reduced food waste.

Another factor contributing to the increased firmness of today’s tomatoes is the practice of harvesting them before they are fully ripe. Compared to naturally ripened tomatoes, early-harvested tomatoes have lower starch content, resulting in a firmer texture. Post-harvest, these tomatoes are stored at low temperatures to slow down the ripening process and inhibit bacterial and mold growth.

Today’s tomatoes are harvested before they are fully ripe, contributing to their increased firmness.

Controlled atmosphere storage also plays a role in reducing the respiration and ripening of tomatoes, protecting them from premature softening and bruising while further extending their shelf life.

However, the trade-off for this increased firmness and longevity is a perceived decrease in flavor intensity. Modern tomatoes seem to possess a milder aroma and natural sweetness. Nonetheless, tomatoes remain a nutrient-rich food, providing essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C, A, and K, as well as potassium and magnesium. While storage may lead to a reduction in heat- and light-sensitive vitamins, the antioxidant content, such as lycopene, remains high.

Frequently asked questions

Modern tomatoes have been bred to have a longer shelf life and firmer texture. This is due to the selection of traits that make them more resistant to bruising and rotting, such as thicker skin and less water content.

Breeding practices have focused on creating tomatoes with a longer shelf life, which has resulted in a firmer texture. This has also led to a decrease in flavor intensity as the genes responsible for producing sugars and aromatic compounds have been diluted.

While modern tomatoes have a longer shelf life and firmer texture, they often lack the flavor intensity of older varieties. This is because the genes responsible for flavor and aroma have taken a back seat to those for durability and resistance.

Yes, there is a growing movement of farmers and breeders who are working to bring back the taste of heritage tomatoes. They are cross-breeding modern varieties with older ones to create tomatoes that have the best of both worlds – durability and flavor.

Look for heirloom or heritage tomatoes at your local farmers market or specialty grocery store. These varieties have been selected for their flavor and often have unique colors, shapes, and sizes. Growing your own tomatoes from heirloom seeds is another option that allows you to experience the full range of flavors available.