Newbie question - why pick at first blush?

Blueaussi · July 28, 2009

Carolyn,

I'm picking before full ripening, if not at first blush, because some beastie is eating about half of about 3 out of 5 of my ripe tomatoes. I think a couple of others have said that's why they're picking early. You've said that nothing is eating yours.

So, are you so adamant about vine ripening that you would prefer to risk losing some/most/all of your tomatoes to bugs and beasties than pick early? Is there, in your opinion, enough of a difference in taste that you believe the risk of losing your tomatoes is worth it? I'm curious about what fraction of flavor we're talking about here. Personally I can't tell much difference, and I am honest enough to admit the difference I can detect might well be all in my head.

July 28, 2009	#31
Blueaussi Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Carolina Zone 8a Posts: 1,205	Carolyn, I'm picking before full ripening, if not at first blush, because some beastie is eating about half of about 3 out of 5 of my ripe tomatoes. I think a couple of others have said that's why they're picking early. You've said that nothing is eating yours. So, are you so adamant about vine ripening that you would prefer to risk losing some/most/all of your tomatoes to bugs and beasties than pick early? Is there, in your opinion, enough of a difference in taste that you believe the risk of losing your tomatoes is worth it? I'm curious about what fraction of flavor we're talking about here. Personally I can't tell much difference, and I am honest enough to admit the difference I can detect might well be all in my head.