I read The Associated Press news article about a cold winter in Florida, Texas and Mexico has hurt the tomato crops. The experts say supplies will be limited, quality may be lower and prices will be higher until late March or mid-April.
A recent cold snap in Mexico has been the latest problem for tomato supplies, coming after unusually frigid weather in December and January in Florida and Texas. Cold weather in 2010 also held down tomato supplies and boosted prices.
Most types of tomatoes — regular, vine ripe, vine ripe on a vine, vine ripe from a greenhouse, heirloom, Roma and cherry — had higher week-over-week retail prices in the most recent National Fruit and Vegetable Retail Report, issued Friday by the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Agriculture Marketing Service.
Tomatoes are pretty much a daily ingredient for me and the fresh tomatoes I have been purchasing are definitely missing something. My recommendation for now to make my recipes or any recipes that include tomatoes is to use imported canned San Marzano tomatoes.
San Marzano tomatoes are distinct in flavor, these organic San Marzano tomatoes are grown in Agro Nocerino-Sarnes region of Italy, renowned for its especially from its proximity to Mount Vesuvius. The D.O.P. (Protected Designation of origin) seal on this can certifies that these tomatoes are authentic San Marzano tomatoes produced with the proper method to ensure superior quality.
You know I love my San Marzano’s as well. It is all I use during the winter. Unless the Plum Tomatoes are decent that year. I’ve noticed the prices as well. Ugh!
I’ll only buy San Marzano’s if I need a canned tomato anyway. As for fresh, I’m going to plant extra as soon as our growing season starts and hope for the best!
I heard the same thing about the tomatoes. I don’t buy tomatoes in the winter anyway for salads unless they are grape tomatoes. I’ll have to try the San Marzano tomatoes, unless they have too much sodium.
I grow my own tomatoes and am waiting for the weather to change before I plant. We’ve been having unusually cold weather late in the season, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to get them into the ground by March.
Weather patterns have been creating havoc with crops all over the world. Probably has something to do with all the increased volcanic and solar activity as of late. My advice is to grow as much of your own as you can, and can as much as you can for later use.