First Vladyka Picked with a problem

[GoDawgs]

The first two regular tomatoes have been picked a little early so they can finish ripening in the safety of the house. That’s Early Annie on the left and an OP from Russia called Vladyka on the right. That one is a heart tomato.



However the other side of the Vladyka has a seam or crease and there are faint lines on either side that seem to indicate that the skin was being pulled towards the crease. Does anyone know what caused this? Some kind of damage to the skin where the crease is?

[VirginiaClay]

I don't see a picture of the side with a crease, so it's hard to be sure, but are you talking about "zippering"? If so, it's caused by the anther sticking to the developing fruit, and it tends to happen when fruit sets in cooler weather. Some varieties are more prone to it than others.

[GoDawgs]

Oh, for pete's sake. My mind must be on vacation this morning.

[zipcode]

Yeah, it's what's called zippering, basically a close relation of catfacing.

[GoDawgs]

Thanks for the help!

The first Honigsüsser Erlöser (Honeysweet Saviour) is getting ready. It's a large heart that is supposed to be orange at maturity. Right now it's between yellow and gold so it has a bit more to go. Can't wait to taste that one!