Wheeeee! The first tomatoes are ripe! After the blooming of the daylilies, the first tomato is probably the most celebrated event in my garden. It’s something I wait all year for, that first taste of a real, honest-to-goodness, store-free, garden fresh, sun-warmed 100% delicious tomato! I picked the first beauties on Thursday August 18th. Last year, I was slow getting my little plants into the ground in the spring, and didn’t start to harvest tomatoes until the beginning of September. I did a bit better this year.
These nicely-shaped round tomatoes, not too big, a bit smaller than a tennis ball, are Jaune Flammé (also known as just Flammé). This is an heirloom variety that originated with Norbert Perreira of Helliner, France. Flammé deserves full marks for appearance, with a pleasing globular shape and bright orange colour. The fruits grown in clusters of six or eight. I brought several into the kitchen and sliced them up. Then…that first sublime taste. Wonderful! Not just a pretty face, the Flammés have a very pleasing flavour. They are nice and juicy and a satisfying balance between sweet and tart. I would grow this variety again.
Still in waiting in the garden are four more heirloom varieties. Can’t wait to try them too.
Willow House Chronicles 
Ohhhh, that plate of tomatoes looks so good. Did you eat every single one? I would have.
Louise, I sure could have eaten every single one! But I saved half for my husband. I thought that was very nice of me.
Mmmm…there is nothing like the first home grown tomato!
Sheri — Tomatoes are my #1 like in garden plantings. This year the garden has been doughty so the tomatoes are being very slow to come on. I salivate looking at your plate of sliced home grown tomatoes. — barbara
Netty, that’s so true! Thanks
Barbara, I wish I could share. I hope yours are ready soon. Thanks
[…] After several beautiful, mild, snow-melting days, I decided it was time to start my tomato seeds. I’m not a big seed starter. I can usually satisfy my modest need for vegetable seedlings at local nurseries. Except for tomatoes. For the last several years, I’ve experimented with heirloom varieties and have really enjoyed the results. Two years ago, I tried a package of mixed seeds and was encouraged by their success. Here’s a report here. Last year I tried a few different varieties and was especially impressed with Persimmon and Jaune Flamme. […]