Is Sudbury The Tomato Capital? Farm Nabs 4 Awards In Annual Contest

SUDBURY, MA—Massachusetts agricultural officials joined tomato farmers from across the state this week at the KITCHEN at the Boston Public Market for the Commonwealth’s 33rd Annual Tomato Contest. Designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce, this year’s contest drew 59 entries from 12 farms, and Sienna Farms in Sudbury nabbed four of those prizes.

The farm won ninth place in the Slicing category for its Beefsteak, seventh place in the Cherry category for its Sungold, second place in the Heirloom category for its Brandywine tomato, and in the Heaviest category, came in fourth with a Striped German tomato that weighed 2.235 pounds.

“The annual Tomato Contest is a fun tradition that highlights the diversity and quality of Massachusetts agriculture,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton in a statement. “As we approach peak growing season, I encourage all residents to try a new variety of tomato from their local farm or farmers’ market to support their local farmers.”

After the entries were judged by a panel of food writers, chefs, produce experts and state officials on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux announced that the top prizes went to farmers from North Easton, Sharon and Pepperell.

The contest also included a healthy cooking demonstration by UMass Extension, tomato tasting and information on nutrition and local farms. The contest is sponsored by DAR, the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and Mass Farmers’ Markets and was hosted by the Boston Public Market Association and Trustees of Reservations.”

Of the more than 7,700 farms in Massachusetts, 759 annually produce more than 7.6 million pounds of tomatoes on 685 acres with a value of approximately $14.5 million. Consumers can find farmers’ markets, farm stands and other opportunities to buy local here.

Patch file photo