When strolling through the supermarket or visiting a local produce stand, it’s wise to steer clear of certain tomatoes that might catch your eye.
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Deceptive Beauty of Certain Tomatoes
Much like the famous apple in the story of Snow White, a tomato that’s too red and glossy may not be a promising sign. But don’t worry, the tomato variety we’re discussing isn’t poisonous! However, it’s still best to avoid adding them to your shopping basket because they lack flavor—and they certainly won’t lead you to a fairy-tale prince. Their attractive red color and perfect round shape are misleading; in truth, these tomatoes are far from ripe, yet they prominently feature in every supermarket aisle. This variety is even grown organically primarily because it has a longer shelf life than others. A fruit enthusiast, known on social media as @prendsunfruit, has voiced concerns, stating these tomatoes are a major rip-off: “they might look premium, but it’s all just marketing,” he explains in a video.
Thanks to a mutant gene introduced into these tomatoes, they spoil much slower than other varieties. “These are modern tomatoes, containing the RIN gene. They won’t ripen properly, which means they’ll be harder, easier to store, but inevitably less flavorful,” explains the expert. The term RIN stands for ripening inhibitor, a gene that prevents the tomato from wilting and becoming patchy. However, this gene also causes the tomatoes to be bland and mealy, as reported by the agricultural media outlet Le Sillon. The result is rows of smooth, bright red fruits that are tasteless on the inside.
The Alluring Deception of Cluster Tomatoes
Moreover, this variety not only captivates with its vibrant color but also enchants with its delightful scent. Again, this is an illusion: the fragrance does not come from the fruit’s flesh but from its stem. Chances are, you’ve already been drawn in by this scent, as this is the cluster tomato. As noted on the website of the Prince de Bretagne growers’ cooperative, “The cluster tomato is presented with stems that contain the sap, and emit the highly appreciated tomato scent.”
Our expert adds, “Cluster tomatoes don’t occur naturally. Normally, you’d see a green one, a small one, a red one.” Thanks to the RIN gene, their ripeness is controlled, and their color is uniform. The fruit enthusiast’s advice? “Opt for genuine French tomatoes, or even better, heirloom varieties.” The payoff? Delightful fresh salads that could belong in a fairy tale.
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