Why Don’t Tomatoes Taste Like They Used To?
A study discovers the compounds that give aroma to tomatoes and opens up new possibilities to restore their flavor. But we too can influence.
That tomatoes (and all vegetables, vegetables and fruits) do not have the same flavor as before is something that is commented on a recurring basis. The reasons are various … but there is hope to enjoy the flavors of yesteryear.
Why are flavored tomatoes in the minority?
An international study led by the biochemist Antonio Granell, from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, has discovered the 13 volatile compounds responsible for the taste of tomatoes and their delicious aromas.
Modern tomatoes have fewer aromatic compounds than older varieties according to researchers, who have analyzed the composition of 398 traditional, modern and wild varieties.
Farmers and consumers have been selecting the most beautiful and resistant tomatoes over the last 50 years . This is the reason why tomatoes are not as rich as they used to be.
The researchers say that the finding will allow to recover the flavor of the tomatoes through hybridization. It will not be necessary to resort to transgenics, says Harry Klee, from the University of Florida, although this possibility will probably be investigated by food multinationals.
Other reasons why tomatoes aren’t like they used to be
The tomatoes that we usually find in the market have a series of characteristics:
- Hardy varieties, which have been transported for hundreds, or even thousands, of kilometers.
- They have not matured in the bush, because they are not collected in season.
- Appearance highlights : good color and similar size.
- During many months of the year they come from greenhouses, where the cycles of nature have not been respected.
- High content of pesticides.
All this makes organoleptic qualities and health take a back seat.
What we can do as consumers
But you don’t have to wait for the hybrid plants of the future. The flavor is already found in the local varieties that, sadly, do not fill the shelves of the supermarkets.
It is estimated that in the world there are more than 20,000 varieties of tomato!
Many have been preserved within small communities. They predate industrialization and are called “heirloom” or “inherited” varieties. Each one of them is a jewel.
On the website Red de Semillas there are contacts with groups that conserve seeds.
At the market, you can choose different varieties grown by small local farmers. It is the most effective way to preserve this treasure. Also choose them taking into account their season (you can check the season of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables in our seasonal calendar).
Plant tomato plants of these minority varieties in your orchard, garden or terrace. You will need very little space to enjoy freshly picked tomatoes.
There are companies dedicated to the distribution of traditional seeds, so it will be easy for you to get them. You can also find them at ecological fairs.
Some valuable and very rich species
We highlight these varieties of tomatoes, appreciated for their great flavor:
- Rosa : it is succulent, aromatic and at the same time resistant to diseases.
- Andine Cornue : this variety is Chilean and highly appreciated among gourmets for its flavor.
- Pear from Bizkaia : they are juicy and their flavor combines acidic and sweet notes.
- Mini de Girona : small but meaty, they have thin skin and are ideal for salad.
