The Kumato Tomato Mystery: Why It's Hard to Grow and Are They Worth the Hype?
The Kumato Tomato Mystery
The world of tomatoes is vast and diverse, with countless varieties available for gardeners to grow and enjoy. One such variety that has gained attention in recent years is the elusive "Kumato" tomato. These dark, almost black-skinned fruits are touted as having a unique flavor profile, making them highly sought after by tomato enthusiasts. However, obtaining genuine Kumato seeds can be quite a challenge, leading many to question if they even exist.
One place where people often search for these mysterious seeds is online marketplaces like eBay. While there are indeed listings claiming to offer Kumato seeds, it's hard to determine their authenticity. Some may have attempted to dehybridize the original tomatoes, but results from growing these seeds can vary greatly. For example, one gardener reported trying F2 seeds they had saved, only to find that while the color was correct, the taste was far from what they expected.
Unraveling the Secrets of the Kumato
In order to better understand why genuine Kumato tomatoes might be so difficult to come by, we must first delve into their origins. The hybrid variety was developed specifically for growth by partner farmers under certain conditions. It's believed that these conditions may include adding salts to the growing solution, which could contribute to the distinct flavor of store-bought Kumatos. This means that both environment and genetics play a role in creating the unique taste of this elusive fruit.
When attempting to dehybridize and grow Kumato tomatoes outside of these specific conditions, gardeners may find that their homegrown fruits don't taste anything like the ones found in stores. In fact, some who have tried this method report discarding their Kumato-derived lines after discovering that they simply couldn't replicate the desired flavor profile.
Comparing Kumato Tomatoes to Other Varieties
Even if one were to successfully grow Kumato tomatoes at home, it's worth considering how they stack up against other tomato varieties. One gardener reported that their Kumato F2 saved seeds took much longer to set and ripen than other tomatoes, despite being a smaller-sized fruit. By the time these tomatoes were ready for harvest, the gardener had already enjoyed a plethora of better-tasting large heirlooms.
This raises the question: are Kumato tomatoes truly worth the effort? While they may be an intriguing option for winter store tomatoes, many gardeners find that they simply don't compare to the flavors of homegrown summer open-pollinated (OP) or heirloom varieties.
In conclusion, while the allure of the mysterious Kumato tomato may be tempting, it's important for gardeners to consider whether the effort required to obtain and grow these elusive fruits is truly worthwhile. With so many delicious OP and heirloom tomato varieties available, it might just be more satisfying to focus on cultivating those tried-and-true favorites instead.
What are Kumato tomatoes?
Kumato tomatoes are a hybrid variety developed to be grown under certain conditions, including added salts to the growing solution.
Can I find the "real deal" Kumato seeds on eBay?
It is unlikely that any of the Kumato listings on eBay are the "real deal," but someone may have done a decent job of dehybridizing the original tomatoes.
Have people had success with dehybridizing Kumato tomatoes?
Some people may have had success with dehybridizing Kumato tomatoes, but it is not guaranteed as the flavor of the tomatoes in stores is a product of both environment and genetics.
Are purchased seeds from eBay or elsewhere reliable for growing Kumato tomatoes?
The reliability of purchased seeds from eBay or elsewhere for growing Kumato tomatoes is uncertain and may vary depending on the seller and their methods.
What was the experience with F2 saved seeds from Kumato tomatoes?
F2 saved seeds from Kumato tomatoes took a long time to set and ripen for such a small sized tomato and did not compare to homegrown summer OP or heirloom varieties.
Who might find dehybridizing Kumato useful?
Dehybridizing Kumato might be useful for bonafide "dry-farm" growers who can grow them under specific conditions.
Why were Kumato-derived lines discarded?
Kumato-derived lines were discarded because they did not taste like store-bought Kumatos when grown under standard field conditions.
What were some better-tasting alternatives to Kumato tomatoes?
Large heirlooms were found to be better tasting alternatives to Kumato tomatoes.
What were some drawbacks of growing F2 saved seeds from Kumato tomatoes?
F2 saved seeds from Kumato tomatoes took a long time to set and ripen for such a small sized tomato and did not compare to homegrown summer OP or heirloom varieties.
What is the flavor of store-bought Kumato tomatoes a product of?
The flavor of store-bought Kumato tomatoes is a product of both environment and genetics, including added salts to the growing solution.