The inevitable frost is predicted for this week so that means if you want to savor the flavor of a few more tomatoes, you will want to pick as many as you have good intentions for.
Fairly mature green tomatoes can be ripened off the vine by wrapping them individually in paper or putting several in a paper bag and storing them at room temperature. The enclosure captures the ethylene gas that fruit gives off as it ripens and helps speed the process while minimizing dehydration during the process. To speed up the ripening, add an apple to the bag. Be sure to select blemish-free tomatoes.
Cole crops like cabbage, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower will tolerate considerable frost without damage. For most of these vegetables, the cool weather actually enhances the flavor.
The flavor of some apple varieties improves with a light frost. The cold temperature converts starch to sugar and the apple flavor become sweeter. Haralson, an old favorite, is a great example of this conversion. Temperatures below 28 degrees will do some damage to the fruit that will not be apparent immediately but will definitely shorten the storage life of the apple.
We are harvesting some of the best apples of the season right now. I know people are thrilled with the flavor and crispness of Honey Crisp, but there are other varieties that far surpass that flavor while still giving that crisp texture. Honey Gold, Connell Red, Fireside, Cortland, and Regent are all excellent for both cooking and fresh eating. Each variety has its own distinct flavor and all are great … some just plain sweet, some with a sweet tart combination.
When cooking with apples, using a combination of several varieties always produces the best flavor. That’s not saying using just one variety is bad, but I’m saying that using several in combination will be better as each variety adds its uniqueness to the mix. Honey Crisp is my last choice for cooking.
Check these varieties out at the Farmers Market on Thursday nights ... and if you think the season is over, you haven’t checked out the market.
Bonnema is a gardening enthusiast and former greenhouse owner. He can be reached at flowergb@iw.net.