Richmond VA Loves Hanover Tomatoes!

Richmond has a fascination with Hanover tomatoes. We eat tons of them, we have a festival in their name, we make lots of other foods from them and we are always bragging about them being the best anywhere. I know the Extra Attic family eats lots of them- we love them too!

What is so special about Hanover tomatoes? The number one reason is they are delicious. They are plump and juicy with just the right balance of mellow and zesty flavors. Another attribute is their freshness. Since they are local, they aren’t long off the vine when you get them. You can’t beat delicious and fresh!

According to experts, a few reasons for the delicious flavor are the soil, which does not hold a lot of water and Hanover County’s perfect tomato climate. Also, the local farmers have found the proper combination of fertilizers and watering strategies to maximize flavor. Sorry, no secret formula.

We can’t get enough of our Hanover tomatoes! We eat them green, fried, stewed and fresh. We eat them in salads, alone (with salt- yes!), in casseroles, on sandwiches, and with anything. We even have the Hanover Tomato Festival, which over 40,000 people attend, to celebrate their goodness. Whatever we do with Hanover tomatoes, we love them!

It is not really known how or when they became so popular or how Hanover County alone gets all the glory. On the other hand, not everyone agrees that Hanover tomatoes are the best. Many localities around the country brag about their local tomatoes. I know some of my friends claim Jersey tomatoes are the best. We know better though!

Regardless of their history or what anyone else says about them- Hanover tomatoes are delicious and worth celebrating. You can find them almost anywhere that sells produce. I prefer finding a local roadside stand to buy mine. Enough talking- my mouth is watering. Let’s go get some Hanover tomatoes now, while we can!